Just one dose of quadrivalent HPV vaccine is as effective as two or three doses in preventing cervical pre-cancer, leading Australian researchers have shown.

While their study findings are unlikely to change Australia’s two-dose schedule for the time being, they provide reassurance for countries considering a one-dose program.

Lead author Professor Julia Brotherton says the findings are exciting as they could make a huge difference to efforts to eliminate cervical cancer, particularly given a global shortage of the vaccine.

“With the WHO call to eliminate cervical cancer, it would be a major win if we could do a massive one-dose campaign and reach all the girls in the world,” she tells Australian Doctor.