One-Shot wonder? huge study tests single HPV vaccine dose
NCT ID NCT03180034
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This large study of nearly 28,000 girls aged 12-16 tests whether a single dose of HPV vaccine works as well as the standard two doses to prevent persistent infection with the virus types that cause most cervical cancers. If one dose is enough, it could lower costs and simplify vaccination, especially in countries with high cervical cancer rates. The study is ongoing and results will show if a single shot provides lasting protection.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Human papillomavirus vaccine (Cervarix or Gardasil-9)
- What this could lead to
- If one dose works, it could make HPV vaccination cheaper and easier, helping more people get protected against cervical cancer.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage comparison; one dose may prove less effective than two, and long-term protection is still unknown.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 4
Runs after approval, following long-term safety and how well the treatment works in everyday use.
- Participants
-
27,945 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Nov 2017
- Expected to finish
-
Aug 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
A government research agency
The lead sponsor is the US National Institutes of Health.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
12 to 21 years
- Sex
-
Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * RANDOMIZED TRIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Female * RANDOMIZED TRIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Aged between 12 and 16 years inclusive * RANDOMIZED TRIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Living in the study area without plans to move outside the country in the next six months * RANDOMIZED TRIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Able to communicate with study personnel * RANDOMIZED TRIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Willing to participate in the study and sign the informed assent * RANDOMIZED TRIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Supported in study participation by at least one of their parents (or guardians), who is willing to sign the informed consent document * RANDOMIZED TRIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: In good health as determined by a medical history (physical exam will be conducted if necessary per the doctor's criterion) * INITIAL SURVEY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Same as trial participants except for the age range, which is between 17 and 20 years old inclusive * END-OF-STUDY SURVEY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Same as trial and initial survey participants except for the age range, which will be closely matched to the current ages of trial participants when they are attending their E54 visits, and thus is expected to be approximately between 16 and 21 years old inclusive Exclusion Criteria: * RANDOMIZED TRIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: They have a diagnosis of an autoimmune, degenerative, or neurological disease without treatment or adequate control; a progressive or severe neurological disease; a genetic immunodeficiency; or any other serious chronic disease without treatment and / or adequate control that, according to the principal investigator or designee, for which vaccination is contraindicated (NOTE: Potential participants with these conditions can be included after consultation with the external medical advisor of the study or with an appropriate specialist * RANDOMIZED TRIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: They are allergic to one of the vaccine components, yeast, or latex * RANDOMIZED TRIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: The clinician determining the eligibility in agreement with principal investigator considers that there is a reason that precludes participation * RANDOMIZED TRIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: They have been vaccinated against HPV * RANDOMIZED TRIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: The girl or her parent/legal guardian does not have an identification document * INITIAL SURVEY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Same as trial participants * END-OF-STUDY SURVEY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: They have a positive or equivocal urine pregnancy test result * END-OF-STUDY SURVEY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: They are pregnant * END-OF-STUDY SURVEY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: investigator considers that there is a reason that precludes participation * END-OF-STUDY SURVEY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: They have been vaccinated against HPV * END-OF-STUDY SURVEY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: They or their parent/legal guardian, as applicable, does not have an identification document
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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
-
Agencia Costarricense de Investigaciones Biomédicas (ACIB)
Liberia, Guanacaste Province, 50101, Costa Rica
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Dry swabs could simplify HPV screening
- How long do HPV vaccine antibodies last? a 11-Year Follow-Up aims to find out
- HPV infections in transgender people: a hidden health gap gets a closer look
- A gel that could help the cervix heal from HPV?
- A Two-Pronged immune attack against HPV: could it prevent cervical cancer?
- Could fewer HPV vaccine doses offer lasting protection?