The ESCUDDO randomized trial demonstrated that a single dose of either bivalent or nonavalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine provides equivalent protection against persistent cervical HPV infection compared to the standard two-dose regimen [1]. Among 20,330 girls aged 12-16 years followed for 5 years in Costa Rica, both vaccines showed at least 97% efficacy for one dose in preventing persistent cervicovaginal HPV type 16 or 18 infection—the established surrogate marker for cervical cancer [1]. This landmark finding has immediate implications for global vaccination programs, particularly in low-resource settings where multi-dose schedules present significant logistical and compliance challenges.
Why it matters:
- For clinicians: Single-dose vaccination simplifies clinic workflows, improves compliance, and reduces missed opportunities for HPV prevention. Providers can confidently vaccinate eligible patients with a single visit, eliminating concerns about loss to follow-up.
- For public health: Reducing vaccination requirements from two doses to one dramatically improves feasibility in resource-limited settings, potentially accelerating global cervical cancer elimination goals by expanding vaccine access to underserved populations.
References
- Kreimer AR, Sampson JN, Porras C, et al. Efficacy of Fewer Than Three Doses of an HPV Vaccine Against Cervical Infection. N Engl J Med. 2025;393(24):2421-2433. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2506765 PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ [PMID not yet assigned in search results]