Brazil begins to adopt a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule

HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. (Photo: Marcelo Camargo/Agência Brasil)

Vaccination against HPV in Brazil is now carried out in a single dose. The announcement was made by the Minister of Health, Nísia Trindade, on Monday night (1st). Until then, the country used a two-dose regimen to combat the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world, the main cause of cervical cancer.

“A single vaccine will protect us for life against various types of disease and cancer caused by HPV, such as cervical cancer. We will not let children and young people run this risk when they grow up”, said the minister.

Nísia asked that States and municipalities actively search for young people up to the age of 19 who have not received any dose of the vaccine. According to her, in 2023, 5.6 million doses of the vaccine were administered, the highest number since 2018 and an increase of 42% compared to 2022.

“Now, we have more vaccines to protect our population against the risks caused by this virus. Using only one dose of vaccine was a decision based on scientific studies, as recommended by the World Health Organization”, highlighted the minister.

Who can get vaccinated

Immunization in Brazil is currently recommended for boys and girls aged 9 to 14; victims of sexual abuse aged 15 to 45 (men and women) who have not been previously immunized; people living with HIV; solid organ and bone marrow transplant recipients; and cancer patients aged 9 to 45 years.