Health Highlights: Oct. 20, 2016

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Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Two Doses of HPV Vaccine Sufficient for Preteens: Panel

Preteens only need two, not three, doses of the HPV vaccine against cervical and certain other types of cancer, a U.S. government panel said Wednesday.

Some experts believe the change from the previously recommended three doses could lead to more youngsters getting vaccinated, the Associated Press reported.

To date, fewer than one-third of 13-year-old girls and boys have received three doses. It can be difficult for parents to get their children to the doctor three times within six months, experts noted.

The panel said recent research has shown that two doses of the leading HPV vaccine, Gardasil 9, are sufficient and can be given a year apart, the AP reported.

HPV (human papillomavirus) is spread through sex and can cause cervical cancer, certain other cancers and genital warts.

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