Human papillomavirus vaccines are vaccines intended to provide acquired immunity against infection by certain types of human papillomavirus, the first of which became available in 2006. Six licensed HPV vaccines exist, all of which protect against HPV types 16 and 18, together responsible for approximately 70 percent of cervical cancer cases globally, while quadrivalent and nonavalent versions add protection against additional types and against genital warts. The vaccines are estimated to prevent 70 percent of cervical cancer, 80 percent of anal cancer, 60 percent of vaginal cancer, and 40 percent of vulvar cancer, with more than 90 percent effectiveness against HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers. The World Health Organization recommends HPV vaccination as part of routine immunization in all countries, primarily targeting girls aged nine to fourteen before they become sexually active, and the vaccine is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. As of November 2024, at least 144 countries provided the HPV vaccine in their national immunization schedule for girls, and 47 countries also did so for boys.
Facts
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundationhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HPV_vaccine, lead sectionQuote, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HPV_vaccine, lead section
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are vaccines intended to provide acquired immunity against infection by certain types of human papillomavirus.
2. Wikipedia: HPV Vaccine Online Reference Encyclopedia Article
WikipediaHistory sectionQuote, History section
In 2006, the FDA approved the first preventive HPV vaccine, marketed by Merck & Co. under the trade name Gardasil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do HPV vaccines protect against?
Certain HPV types, including 16 and 18, which cause about 70% of cervical cancers, and genital warts.
Human papillomavirus vaccines are intended to provide acquired immunity against infection by certain types of human papillomavirus. All licensed vaccines protect against HPV types 16 and 18, which are together responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases globally. The quadrivalent vaccines add protection against types 6 and 11, and the nonavalent one adds types 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. They also prevent genital warts, with the quadrivalent and nonavalent vaccines providing virtually complete protection.
What are the side effects of HPV vaccines?
Mostly injection-site pain, redness, swelling and fever; no increased risk of serious adverse effects.
HPV vaccines are described as safe and well tolerated. Pain at the site of injection occurs in between 35% and 88% of people, and redness, swelling and fever may also occur. No link to Guillain-Barre syndrome has been found, and there is no increased risk of serious adverse effects. A higher proportion of fainting was seen with Gardasil than is usual with other vaccines, so recipients should remain seated or lying down and be observed for 15 minutes after vaccination. This record describes what the sources state and is not medical advice.
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