From the Guidelines
A 26-year-old male can receive the Gardasil immunization, as it is recommended for males aged 22-26 years who were not previously vaccinated. According to the recommended adult immunization schedule: United States, 2012 1, males aged 22-26 years may be vaccinated with HPV4 in a 3-dose series. This recommendation is especially important for men who have sex with men (MSM), as they may benefit from vaccination to prevent condyloma and anal cancer. The vaccine can be administered to persons who are immunocompromised as a result of infection, disease, or medications, and is recommended for immunocompromised persons through age 26 years who did not receive any or all doses when they were younger 1. Key points to consider include:
- The vaccine is not live and can be given to immunocompromised individuals
- It is recommended for MSM through age 26 years who did not get any or all doses when they were younger
- A complete series consists of 3 doses, with the second dose administered 1-2 months after the first dose, and the third dose administered 6 months after the first dose
- The vaccine can be administered to persons with a history of genital warts, abnormal Papanicolaou test results, or positive HPV DNA test results 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Effectiveness of GARDASIL 9 against persistent infection and disease related to vaccine HPV types in 16- through 26-year-old boys and men was inferred from non-inferiority comparison conducted in the PPI population in Study 7 of GMTs following vaccination with GARDASIL 9 among 16- through 26-year-old HM with those among 16- through 26-year-old girls and women.
Yes, a 26-year-old male can have a Gardasil immunization, as the drug label includes data on the effectiveness of GARDASIL 9 in 16- through 26-year-old boys and men 2.
From the Research
HPV Vaccination for 26-Year-Old Males
- The Gardasil immunization is primarily recommended for girls aged 11 to 12, with catch-up vaccination for women up to age 26 3.
- However, there is evidence to suggest that HPV vaccination can also be beneficial for males, as HPV infection is associated with the development of cancers of the anus, vagina, vulva, and penis, as well as genital warts 4.
- Some countries recommend gender-neutral vaccination, and randomized control trials have demonstrated robust antibody responses and high efficacy in men 4.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all men through age 26 get vaccinated against HPV, and men through age 26 who have sex with men or have a weakened immune system may also get vaccinated [5 is not directly relevant to this point but 4 and other general knowledge support it].
- The vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to HPV, and systematic reviews and meta-analyses have shown that HPV vaccination effectively prevents HPV infection, precancerous lesions of the anogenital tract, and genital warts 5.
Eligibility and Effectiveness
- A 26-year-old male can still receive the Gardasil immunization, but it is essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.
- The vaccine's effectiveness in preventing HPV-related diseases and conditions may vary depending on the individual's prior exposure to HPV and other factors 6, 7.