“The JCVI regularly reviews all vaccination programmes and considers new evidence as it emerges,” said the Committee for Health and Social Care. 

“The Committee has been considering the potential decision for several years and now considers that there is strong evidence in favour of moving to 1 dose. This view aligns with recent advice from the World Health Organization’s SAGE committee.  

“The HPV programme in the UK targets girls and boys aged 12 to 13 and is currently given as a 2-dose course. Under the new advice, all young people will be eligible for 1 dose as part of the routine adolescent programme.” 

Young people who become eligible for the vaccine from the 2023 academic year to 2024 will now be in line for one dose instead of two. 

Those who were already eligible will be considered fully vaccinated after one dose if they’ve already had it. 

“Children for whom parents or carers provided consent to be given two doses of vaccine last year won’t receive another dose of vaccine this year as they are now considered to be fully vaccinated,” said HSC. 

“These families will receive a letter explaining the changes and why their child does not require another dose of HPV vaccination. From this year, the consent form received by parents will cover the single dose required.”