Groundbreaking evidence from Kenya demonstrates >97% efficacy of a single-dose HPV vaccine (bivalent and nonavalent) against HPV 16/18 infections over 18 months.
The trial also showed ~89% protection against additional high-risk HPV types (31/33/45/52/58), reinforcing its broad preventive impact.
This randomized, double-blind study enrolled 2,275 young women (15–20 years), maintaining high retention and protocol fidelity.
No vaccine-related serious adverse events were reported, underscoring its excellent safety profile.
Findings support WHO’s shift toward single-dose schedules to expand coverage, cut costs, and accelerate cervical cancer elimination goals.
Results have major implications for adolescent immunization programs in resource-limited settings worldwide.