Human Papillomavirus Vaccination for Foreigners during COVID-19 Era

Abstract

Purpose: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination schedule is recommended by Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization of World Health Organization to achieve high efficacy and immunogenicity. However, the patients often cannot keep up their schedule for several reasons. Methods: Monthly numbers of visitors for HPV vaccination between 2019 and 2021 were analyzed to measure the impact of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) outbreak which was the main cause of this delay. Results: In February 2020, the number of foreign patients vaccinated with HPV was dropped suddenly due to COVID-19. Prior to this impact, the average patients per month for HPV vaccination was 160 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 143–176). It was then 30 (95% CI: 20–40). However recent trends show a gradual recovery. Conclusion: If a woman is pregnant after starting the HPV vaccine series, the reminder doses should be delayed until she is no longer pregnant. If this series is interrupted for any length of time, it can be resumed without restarting the series. HPV vaccine series need to be administered with a minimum interval of 14 days before or after administration of COVID-19 vaccines.