From the Guidelines
The longest interval for HPV vaccine doses in boys can be up to 12 months between the first and second doses for those who start the series before age 15, and the series can be completed with a minimum interval of 6 months between the second and third doses for those who start at 15 years or older 1.
HPV Vaccine Schedule
The HPV vaccine schedule allows for flexibility in the interval between doses, with a recommended minimum interval of 4 weeks between the first and second doses, and 12 weeks between the second and third doses 1. However, the most recent evidence suggests that a 12-month interval between the first and second doses can result in a more robust immune response 1.
Key Considerations
- The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys aged 11-12 years, with a 2-dose series for those who start the series before age 15, and a 3-dose series for those who start at 15 years or older 1.
- The vaccine can be given to boys as young as 9 years old, and is recommended for those who have a history of sexual abuse or assault 1.
- The immune response to the HPV vaccine is stronger in younger individuals, with geometric mean antibody titers higher in those who receive the vaccine at ages 9-14 compared to those who receive it at ages 16-26 1.
Implications for Practice
- Healthcare providers should recommend the HPV vaccine to boys aged 11-12 years, and emphasize the importance of completing the series to ensure protection against HPV-related cancers 1.
- The vaccine can be given at the same time as other recommended vaccines, such as Tdap and meningococcal vaccines, to avoid singling out the HPV vaccine and to promote completion of the series 1.
From the Research
Vaccine Dose Intervals for Boys
- The provided studies do not directly address the longest interval over which vaccine doses can be spread out in boys.
- However, some studies provide information on the typical vaccination schedules and intervals for adolescent vaccines, including human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine 2, 3, 4, 5.
- For example, a study on the coadministration of HPV vaccine with other vaccines found that the vaccine was typically administered at 0,2, and 6 months 2.
- Another study found that HPV vaccination occurred later than tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) or meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccination, with a mean age of 11.8 years for HPV vaccination 5.
- There is no specific information on the longest interval over which vaccine doses can be spread out in boys, and more research may be needed to determine the optimal vaccination schedule.