What is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine schedule for females in India?

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From the Research

HPV Vaccine Schedule for Females in India

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine schedule for females in India is as follows:

• For girls under 15 years of age, a two-dose schedule is recommended, with the doses given at an interval of 6 months, extendable to 18 months 1
• For girls 15 years of age and older, a three-dose schedule is recommended 1, 2
• The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a two-dose schedule for girls aged 9-14 years, and a three-dose schedule for girls aged 15 years and older 2, 3

Key Considerations

• The HPV vaccine is licensed for females aged 9-45 years in India and has been shown to be safe and effective 1
• The vaccine has been shown to provide protection against persistent HPV 16 and 18 infection, which are responsible for nearly 70% of cervical cancers 4
• A single dose of the HPV vaccine may provide similar protection to two or three doses, although this is still a topic of debate 4, 3

Special Considerations

• Immunocompromised persons and sexual assault survivors may require a three-dose schedule 1
• Older women and women with abnormal screening results may be vaccinated, but it is essential to understand that vaccination does not protect against already acquired infections, and screening should continue 1