What is the recommended dose of Cervarix (human papillomavirus vaccine)

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Last updated: March 6, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

The recommended dose of Cervarix, a human papillomavirus vaccine, is a 3-shot series given intramuscularly at 0,1, and 6 months, as stated in the study published in 2015 1. This dosing schedule is specifically designed for females, as Cervarix is approved for use only in this population. The vaccine targets HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for a significant proportion of cervical cancer cases worldwide.

  • Key points to consider when administering Cervarix include:
    • The vaccine is given as a series of three injections over a six-month period
    • Each dose is administered intramuscularly, preferably in the deltoid region of the upper arm
    • The recommended age of administration is the same as other HPV vaccines, such as Gardasil
  • It is essential to complete the full vaccination series to ensure optimal protection against HPV infection and its associated diseases, as supported by the study published in Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery 1. The Cervarix vaccine works by stimulating the body's immune system to produce antibodies against HPV types 16 and 18, providing protection before exposure to the virus.
  • The benefits of the Cervarix vaccine include:
    • Protection against HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide
    • A reduced risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases
    • A safe and effective way to prevent HPV infection, as demonstrated in the study published in 2015 1.

From the Research

Recommended Dose of Cervarix

  • The recommended dose of Cervarix, a human papillomavirus vaccine, is a three-dose regimen administered at 0,1, and 6 months 2.
  • However, studies have also shown that a two-dose schedule may be effective in pre-adolescent girls (9-15 years) with a six-month or one-year interval between doses 3.
  • Additionally, research suggests that one dose of Cervarix may provide protection against HPV 16/18 infection with robust antibody titers well above natural infection titers, although this is still being studied 3, 4.

Vaccine Administration

  • Cervarix is administered by intramuscular injection 2.
  • The vaccine is indicated for the prevention of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 2 and CIN 3) and cervical cancer causally related to HPV types 16 and 18 2, 5.

Special Considerations

  • For women 15 years and older, the three-dose vaccine schedule is still recommended 3.
  • The vaccine has been shown to be generally well tolerated, with injection-site reactions being the most common vaccine-related adverse events reported 2, 5.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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