Do You Need a Booster for the 9-Valent HPV Vaccine After 8 Years? - Urology

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Nine-valent vaccine/STIs


Hello Dr.
Du: I am following up on my question from yesterday, 11/11, regarding my history of having had genital warts eight years ago, which were treated successfully, and I have not had any recurrences since.
At that time, I also completed the three doses of the nine-valent HPV vaccine.
I would like to ask if, after eight years without any recurrence, there is still a need for a booster shot based on the duration of protective efficacy.
I did not find relevant recommendations regarding this question, so I hope to seek your assistance again.
Thank you.
Do vaccines like the nine-valent HPV vaccine require a booster after the protective period has expired, or is it sufficient to have received the vaccine once for lifelong immunity?

John, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/11/12

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology


Hello: The government-approved package insert does not mention the situation you referred to, which may indicate that there is no conclusion (due to the lack of definitive research in this area).
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/11/12

More Info


The question of whether a booster dose of the 9-valent HPV vaccine is necessary after eight years, especially for someone who has previously been treated for genital warts (condyloma acuminata) and completed the full vaccination series, is a nuanced one.
The 9-valent HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) protects against nine strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), including those most commonly associated with cervical cancer (types 16 and 18) and genital warts (types 6 and 11). The vaccine is designed to provide long-lasting immunity, but the duration of protection can vary among individuals.
Current research indicates that the 9-valent HPV vaccine offers strong protection for at least eight years, and studies suggest that this protection may last even longer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations have not established a definitive timeline for when booster doses may be necessary, primarily because the long-term efficacy of the vaccine is still being studied.
For individuals who have completed the full series of the 9-valent HPV vaccine, there is generally no recommendation for a booster dose at this time. The vaccine is designed to elicit a robust immune response, and for most individuals, this response is sufficient to provide long-term protection against the HPV types covered by the vaccine.
In your specific case, having been treated for genital warts and having completed the three-dose series of the 9-valent HPV vaccine eight years ago, it is unlikely that you would need a booster at this point. The absence of recurrence of genital warts is a positive sign, indicating that your immune system has effectively managed the virus.
However, it is essential to consider individual health factors and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice. If there are any changes in your health status or if you have concerns about HPV-related diseases, discussing these with your healthcare provider is crucial. They can provide guidance based on the latest research and your specific health history.

In summary, while the 9-valent HPV vaccine provides significant protection against HPV-related diseases, current guidelines do not recommend routine booster doses after the initial vaccination series for most individuals. The vaccine's long-lasting efficacy is still being evaluated, and ongoing research will continue to inform recommendations in the future. Always consult with a healthcare professional for the most accurate and personalized medical advice.

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