Could HPV shots start earlier? study tests vaccine in kids as young as 4
NCT ID NCT05329961
First seen Jul 01, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at whether a 2-dose regimen of the Gardasil 9 HPV vaccine, given 12 months apart, triggers a strong immune response in children aged 4 to 8. The vaccine is currently approved for ages 9 and up, but this research explores if starting earlier could provide protection against HPV-related cancers. Researchers will measure antibody levels over four years and monitor for side effects like swelling at the injection site.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Gardasil 9 (9-valent HPV vaccine)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could support expanding HPV vaccination to children under 9, potentially preventing more HPV-related cancers later in life.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early exploratory study with only 155 children, so results may not apply broadly. The vaccine is not yet licensed for this age group, and immune responses may differ from older children.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Boston Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, 02118, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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