Can the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine be administered with other vaccines, such as Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap), Meningococcal, and Influenza vaccines?

From the Guidelines

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can be safely administered with other vaccines, such as Tdap, Meningococcal, and Influenza vaccines, at the same visit but using separate syringes and different anatomic sites. This approach is supported by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations, as stated in the 2007 study 1, which suggests that administering all indicated vaccines together at a single visit increases the likelihood that adolescents and young adults will receive each of the vaccines on schedule. Key points to consider when administering the HPV vaccine with other vaccines include:

• The HPV vaccine is not a live vaccine and has no components that adversely impact the safety or efficacy of other vaccinations 1.
• Each vaccine should be administered using a separate syringe at a different anatomic site to minimize potential side effects and ensure optimal immune response.
• The HPV vaccine can be given as a two-dose series for those who start vaccination before age 15, with doses separated by 6-12 months, or as a three-dose series for those starting at age 15 or older (0,1-2, and 6 months).
• Administering multiple vaccines simultaneously is an efficient practice that increases the likelihood of completing recommended vaccination schedules, without negatively affecting the immune response to each vaccine or increasing adverse effects 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Among the 8 reported cases of Bell’s palsy, 6 cases occurred in persons who received MENVEO concomitantly with one or more of the following vaccines: Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine Adsorbed (Tdap), a human papillomavirus vaccine, and Influenza Vaccine.

The HPV vaccine can be administered with other vaccines, such as Tdap, Meningococcal, and Influenza vaccines. However, there is a reported increased risk of Bell's palsy when MENVEO is administered concomitantly with these vaccines, including the HPV vaccine 2.

• Key points:
  • The HPV vaccine can be given with other vaccines.
  • There is a reported increased risk of Bell's palsy when MENVEO is administered concomitantly with the HPV vaccine and other vaccines.
  • The safety of concomitant administration of the HPV vaccine with other vaccines should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

From the Research

HPV Vaccine Administration with Other Vaccines

• The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can be administered with other vaccines, such as Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap), Meningococcal, and Influenza vaccines 3, 4, 5.
• Studies have shown that coadministration of HPV vaccine with other vaccines does not interfere with the immune response to any of the vaccines and has an acceptable safety profile 3, 5.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) promotes taking a 'bundling approach' for adolescent vaccinations, including administering Tdap and HPV vaccines on the same day 4.
• Research has demonstrated that bundling Tdap-HPV vaccination can increase the likelihood of HPV vaccine series completion 4, 6.
• Initiating the HPV vaccine series prior to other vaccines in the adolescent platform (Tdap or meningococcal vaccines) can also improve timely series completion 6.

Specific Vaccine Combinations

• HPV vaccine can be coadministered with:
  • Tdap vaccine 4, 5, 6
  • Meningococcal vaccine 3, 5, 6
  • Influenza vaccine (although specific studies on this combination are not provided)
• The immune response to HPV vaccine is not affected by coadministration with these vaccines 3, 5.

Implications for Vaccine Administration

• Healthcare providers can administer HPV vaccine with other recommended vaccines to improve uptake and completion of adolescent vaccine series 3, 4, 6.
• Initiating the HPV vaccine series prior to other vaccines may improve on-time series completion 6.