The change reflects evidence building up over recent years from a range of studies from around the world that shows that a single dose of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine offers robust protection that is comparable to 2 doses. Based on the evidence, other countries, such as Australia and Scotland, have already made the move to one dose.

The HPV vaccine helps to prevent HPV related cancers from developing in boys and girls. While most types of HPV are harmless, some high-risk types can lead to the development of cancers, including cervical cancer, cancers of the head and neck (mouth and throat) and cancers of the anus and genital areas.

The HPV vaccine has been part of the NHS routine vaccination schedule since 2008 and is one of the most successful in the world, with high uptake and millions of doses given.

From September 2023:

• routine adolescent HPV immunisation programme for all children in school year 8 (aged 12 to 13 years) will move from 2 doses to one dose, offered mainly in secondary schools – this includes children not in mainstream school via a community clinic delivery model
• eligible gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) under the age of 25 will move from 2 doses to one dose, offered through sexual health clinics
• eligible GBMSM aged 25 to 45 years will remain on a 2-dose schedule, offered through sexual health clinics
• eligible individuals who are immunosuppressed or those known to be HIV-positive will remain on a 3-dose schedule
• catch-up: eligible individuals who started their HPV vaccination schedule and have already received one dose of the vaccine by September 2023 will be considered fully vaccinated – those who missed out on their one dose HPV vaccine can catch up until their 25th birthday via their GP practice