Expired Cervical Cancer Vaccine: Can You Still Get the Second Dose?

Expired cervical cancer vaccine?

I would like to ask about the first dose of the HPV vaccine (nine-valent from Sanofi) that I received in Taichung.
I am planning to get the second dose on February 4, but I was informed that the current batch expired on January 18.
They mentioned that since the vaccine is inactive and has been stored at the proper temperature, it can still be administered.

1.
Is it really safe to administer it? What is the remaining efficacy?
2.
Due to the distance, I would prefer not to travel so far for the third dose.
Can I switch to another provider for the third dose? Is it necessary to use the Sanofi brand, or can I receive the nine-valent vaccine from another manufacturer?

wwe, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/01/26

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, medications have their expiration dates, and expired ones should not be used.
You should check with another pharmacy.
If they don't have it, other companies' nine-valent vaccines are also available.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/01/26

More Info

When it comes to the administration of the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine, particularly the nine-valent vaccine (Gardasil 9), there are specific guidelines and recommendations that should be followed to ensure optimal efficacy and safety.
1. Expired Vaccine Administration: Regarding your question about receiving a second dose of the HPV vaccine that has expired, it is generally not recommended to administer any vaccine past its expiration date. The expiration date is determined based on stability studies that assess the vaccine's potency and safety. Although the healthcare provider may claim that the vaccine has been stored properly and retains its effectiveness, there is no guarantee that it will provide the intended immune response. The efficacy of an expired vaccine cannot be assured, and administering it could pose a risk of inadequate protection against HPV, which is known to cause cervical cancer and other related diseases. Therefore, it is advisable to wait for a new batch of the vaccine that is within its expiration date to ensure you receive a safe and effective dose.

2. Switching Vaccine Brands: As for your second question about switching brands for the third dose, it is important to adhere to the same vaccine brand for the entire series if possible. The HPV vaccination series consists of three doses, and the immune response generated by the vaccine can vary between different brands. While the nine-valent vaccine is designed to protect against multiple strains of HPV, switching to a different brand for the third dose may not provide the same level of immunity as completing the series with the same vaccine. If you are unable to return to the original provider for the third dose, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action. They may recommend completing the series with the same brand if available, or they may provide guidance on the use of a different brand based on your vaccination history and current availability.

3. General Recommendations: The standard schedule for the HPV vaccine is as follows: the first dose is administered at a chosen date, the second dose is given 1-2 months after the first dose, and the third dose is administered 6 months after the first dose. If there are delays in receiving the doses, it is still important to complete the series within a reasonable timeframe, ideally within a year. However, if there are significant delays, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for guidance on how to proceed.

In summary, it is not advisable to receive an expired vaccine, and it is best to complete the HPV vaccination series with the same brand whenever possible. If you have any concerns or questions, discussing them with a healthcare provider will help ensure that you receive the best advice tailored to your specific situation. Vaccination is a crucial step in preventing cervical cancer, and following the recommended guidelines will help maximize your protection against HPV.

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