HPV vaccine: Teens in Guernsey offered just one dose

Now 12 to 13 year olds on Guernsey will only be offered one dose of the HPV vaccine instead of two

Teenagers in Guernsey are to be offered one dose of the HPV vaccine instead of two, as studies suggest a single shot is enough protection.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) issued new guidance on the vaccine which is offered to 12 to 13-year-old girls and boys.

The vaccine protects against cancers - including cervical cancer - caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

The committee had been considering the decision for several years

It now considers that there is strong evidence in favour of moving to one dose.

There are more than 100 different types of HPV and infections do not usually cause any symptoms - although some types can cause warts on hands, feet, genitals or inside the mouth.

Most people's bodies get rid of the virus without treatment - but high-risk types can cause abnormal tissue growth that can lead to cancers.

Those the vaccine protects against cause:

• nearly all cases of cervical cancer

• most anal cancers

• some genital and head and neck cancers

Children in Guernsey who become eligible for the HPV vaccine from the academic year 2023 to 2024 onwards will only require one dose.

It will continue to be routinely offered to children in Year 8 and those of an equivalent age who are not in mainstream education.