Among the HPV vaccines for preventing cervical cancer, the 9-valent HPV vaccine, which is said to have a higher infection prevention effect than conventional vaccines, can be inoculated twice instead of three times. It was approved by a subcommittee of experts from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
Regarding the 9-valent HPV vaccine, the number of vaccinations is usually twice overseas, but in Japan, after the first vaccination, the second dose is given two months later, and the third dose is given four months later. I'm here.
At a meeting of experts from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare held on the 27th, even if the number of inoculations was reduced to two, the level of antibodies increased to the same level as when inoculating three times, and there were no particular concerns about safety. As such, it was agreed that 2 doses of vaccination would be possible.
Targets are women between the ages of 9 and 15, and although the dose per dose remains the same, the number of vaccinations will be reduced, which is expected to reduce the burden.
Regarding HPV vaccines, targeting women from the sixth grade of elementary school to the first grade of high school, there is a "bivalent" vaccine that can prevent infection with two types of viruses, or a "quadrivalent" vaccine that can prevent four types including those. So, free regular vaccination is being done, and a ``9-valent'' vaccine will be added from April this year.