The interval between the two doses has been extended to 6-12 months, replacing the previous three-dose schedule within six months. The Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV), under the Ministry of Health, approved these changes in January after meeting with the Advisory Council for Drug Registration and Licensing.

According to Dr. Bach Thi Chinh, Medical Director of the VNVC vaccination system, research shows that two doses of Gardasil for adolescents are equivalent to three doses for individuals aged 16-26. This reduced dosage schedule maintains effectiveness, lowers vaccination costs, and improves adherence to the vaccination schedule. Greater access to the vaccine will improve community protection, reducing cases of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.

"This is also an important step towards the Ministry of Health's goal of eliminating cervical cancer in Vietnam," Dr. Chinh said.

Tu Anh, over 9 years old, receives the HPV vaccine at the VNVC Nguyen Duy Trinh 2 Center, Long Truong ward, TP HCM, on the afternoon of 4/9. Photo: Dieu Thuan

Tu Anh, over 9 years old, receives the HPV vaccine at the VNVC Nguyen Duy Trinh 2 Center, Long Truong ward, TP HCM, on the afternoon of 4/9. Photo: Dieu Thuan

Dr. Chinh added that studies show HPV strains 16 and 18 cause about 70% of cervical cancer cases. Strains 6 and 11 cause approximately 90% of genital warts cases.

The age range of 9 to under 14 is considered the ideal time for HPV vaccination. During this period, children's immune systems respond best, building protection before potential exposure to HPV and minimizing the risk of infection.

The Gardasil vaccine was approved and introduced in Vietnam in 11/2015, almost 10 years ago. Gardasil protects against four HPV strains: 16 and 18, which cause cervical cancer, and 6 and 11, which cause genital warts. Gardasil is only for females aged 9-26.

The vaccine is currently available through private vaccination services and costs over 1.7 million VND per dose. Nearly 240 VNVC vaccination centers are implementing the new vaccination schedule nationwide.

Vietnam also offers the newer Gardasil 9 vaccine, which protects against nine HPV strains and costs over 2.9 million VND per dose. It's available for both males and females. Children aged 9 to under 15 receive two doses, while those aged 15 to under 46 receive three.

Gia Binh