The EU has now approved the 2-dose schedule of the HPV vaccine at 0 and 6 months in young teens aged 9 to 13 years. Research data shows that 2 doses (shots) of the HPV vaccine is just as effective at preventing four HPV types (6, 11, 16, and 18) as 3 doses. “These results are sustained 3 years after vaccination, which indicates that a 2 dose 0-6 month schedule of Gardasil®, is able to induce high antibody levels for protection against HPV-diseases,” concluded Dr Lockhart.
The approval decision from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) was largely based on a Canadian study by Dr. Simon Dobson et al., who is also a Doctor on the QUEST study.
Data recently published from a study in Australia showed the rapid impact of Gardasil® on disease in the real-world setting, with a strong reduction in high grade pre-cancerous cervical lesions in young women. Australian national vaccination programmes with Gardasil® also resulted in the near disappearance of genital warts in Melbourne area in women under 21 years of age.
