The World Health Organization's (WHO's) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) late last week said one dose of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine—not the standard three-dose regimen—offered good protection against cervical cancer, a move the WHO is calling a "game-changer."

SAGE said the updated guidance on the vaccine schedule follows recent evidence that one-dose regimens perform just as well as two- or three-dose schedules and will lead to wider uptake and better adherence in low-income countries.

"The HPV vaccine is highly effective for the prevention of HPV serotypes 16 & 18, which cause 70% of cervical cancer," said Alejandro Cravioto, MD, SAGE chair, in a news release. "SAGE urges all countries to introduce HPV vaccines and prioritize multi-age cohort catch up of missed and older cohorts of girls."

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