Changes announced for routine adolescent HPV vaccination programme

Mon, 01 May 2023

Children and young adults in the Isle of Man who are eligible to receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination will now receive one dose rather than the previous two-dose schedule.

This decision was taken by the Isle of Man Immunisation Committee*, and follows a recent recommendation made by the UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) based on the results of several independent research studies. Both organisations agree that children and young people who have received a single dose before 25 years of age are considered fully vaccinated.

However, there may be some exceptions to this where further doses may be clinically required, for example, for young people with a weakened immune system. In this case, this will be discussed with children, their carers and young adults as part of their vaccination regime.  

HPV is a common virus that is primarily spread through sexual contact. Infection can cause a number of potential complications including cancers and other serious conditions.

The HPV vaccine is offered each year to all pupils in school Year 8 in the Isle of Man.

 

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