Single-dose decision-making and implementation experience – Q&A Session

The discussion session highlighted operational and strategic questions around introducing HPV single-dose schedules and gender-neutral vaccination. Participants from several countries (e.g., Nigeria, Cameroon, Togo, Cape Verde) raised issues about coverage disparities between boys and girls, acceptance of vaccinating boys, and challenges linked to sociocultural perceptions. Other key points included the rationale for vaccinating older cohorts (up to 26 years), cost-effectiveness considerations for non-Gavi-supported programs, and the need for robust communication strategies to address myths and antivaccine narratives. Experts also emphasized research gaps, notably HPV’s role in non-cervical cancers (oral, anal, penile) and the necessity of cellular immunity studies beyond antibody titers. Finally, the session called for better integration of HPV vaccination into life-course immunization systems and stronger documentation of lessons to guide policy and sustainability.

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Media: Video