Summary of the NACI Update on the recommended use of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine: Nine-valent HPV vaccine two-dose immunization schedule and the use of HPV vaccines in immunocompromised populations.

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the most common sexually transmitted infections. In the absence of vaccination, it is estimated that 75% of sexually active Canadians will have an HPV infection at some point in their lives. HPV vaccine programs were first recommended by Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) in 2007. In addition to the existing HPV vaccine options in Canada, NACI recently recommended the use of a newly authorized nine-valent HPV (HPV9) vaccine according to a 3-dose immunization schedule for the prevention of HPV types 6-, 11-, 16-, 18-, 31-, 33-, 45-, 52- and 58-related cancers and anogenital warts in females aged 9 to 45 years and males aged 9 to 26 years. New data have emerged evaluating a 2-dose immunization schedule for HPV9 vaccine in males and females, which NACI reviewed in order to provide timely guidance on the possibility of a 2-dose immunization schedule for HPV9 vaccine. Recently, a growing number of studies have also specifically explored the responses of immunocompromised subgroups to HPV vaccines, which also triggered a NACI literature review and updated recommendations on this topic.

OBJECTIVES

To review evidence for a 2-dose immunization schedule of the HPV9 vaccine and provide recommendations on vaccine schedule; and to summarize evidence from a recent NACI literature review on the use of HPV vaccines in immunocompromised populations and provide recommendations for HPV vaccine use in these groups.

METHODS

The NACI HPV Working Group reviewed results from a clinical trial of HPV9 vaccine administered with a 2-dose immunization schedule in males and females (protocol V503-010) and performed a literature review on the topic of HPV immunization of immunocompromised populations. The NACI literature review and the NACI statement were published separately.

RESULTS

Only one study investigated a 2-dose immunization schedule with HPV9 vaccine, a large manufacturer-sponsored randomized controlled trial (protocol V503-010) of good quality. Taken in context of studies with other HPV vaccines, NACI considered this study to be a sufficient evidence base for recommendations. Through a comprehensive literature review, 27 studies were identified for evidence synthesis including reports on vaccine immunogenicity, safety, or both for immunocompromised populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the evidence reviewed, NACI issued new recommendations for the use of HPV9 vaccine with a 2-dose immunization schedule at 0, 6-12 months in young females and males and updated the grade of evidence for the use of HPV vaccines in immunocompromised populations.