Women should receive HPV vaccination as early as possible
Among 1.67 million women in Sweden, those vaccinated before 17 later developed invasive cervical cancer at roughly one-eighth the rate of unvaccinated women. Vaccination at 17–30 still roughly halved the rate. Earlier vaccination offers more benefit.
What it takes
In China, a domestically made bivalent vaccine costs a little over RMB 300 per dose, and an imported nine-valent vaccine about RMB 1,300. There are 2–3 doses, each requiring a visit of roughly half a day.
What you may gain
A Swedish follow-up study of 1.67 million women found lower invasive cervical cancer incidence after vaccination. Vaccination before age 17 was associated with about 88% lower incidence (IRR 0.12, 95% CI 0.00–0.34); vaccination at 17–30 with about 53% lower incidence (IRR 0.47, 95% CI 0.27–0.75).
Context & considerations
Benefit is greatest at ages 9–14. Vaccination at 17–30 still cuts incidence by more than half; after 30, benefits progressively diminish. Vaccination does not replace cervical screening. See cervical screening after 30.
Research & references
Lei J et al. (2020). HPV Vaccination and the Risk of Invasive Cervical Cancer. New England Journal of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1917338