Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are vaccines that prevent infection by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).[19] Available HPV vaccines protect against either two, four, or nine types of HPV.[19][20] All HPV vaccines protect against at least HPV types 16 and 18, which cause the greatest risk of cervical cancer.[19] It is estimated that HPV vaccines may prevent 70% of cervical cancer, 80% of anal cancer, 60% of vaginal cancer, 40% of vulvar cancer, and show more than 90% effectiveness in preventing HPV-positiveoropharyngeal cancers.[21][22][23][24] They also protect against penile cancer.[25] They additionally prevent some genital warts, with the quadrivalent and nonavalent vaccines that protect against HPV types HPV-6 and HPV-11 providing greater protection.[19]
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends HPV vaccines as part of routine vaccinations in all countries, along with other prevention measures.[19] The vaccines require two or three doses depending on a person's age and immune status.[19] Vaccinating girls around the ages of nine to thirteen is typically recommended.[19] The vaccines provide protection for at least 5 to 10 years.[19]Cervical cancer screening is still required following vaccination.[19] Vaccinating a large portion of the population may also benefit the unvaccinated by way of herd immunity.[26]
HPV vaccines are very safe.[19] Pain at the site of injection occurs in about 80% of people.[19] Redness and swelling at the site and fever may also occur.[19] No link to Guillain–Barré syndrome has been found.[19]
The first HPV vaccine became available in 2006.[19][27] As of 2022, 125 countries include HPV vaccine in their routine vaccinations for girls, and 47 countries recommend them for boys, as well.[19] The HPV vaccine is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[28] Vaccination may be cost effective in low and middle-income countries.[29] As of 2017, Gardasil 9 is the only HPV vaccine available in the United States as it provides protection against more HPV types than the earlier approved vaccines (the original Gardasil and Cervarix).[30][31]
^"Gardasil 9 EPAR". European Medicines Agency (EMA). 17 September 2018. Archived from the original on 6 April 2020. Retrieved 3 April 2020. Text was copied from this source which is copyright European Medicines Agency. Reproduction is authorized provided the source is acknowledged.
^"Gardasil EPAR". European Medicines Agency. 17 September 2018. Archived from the original on 11 June 2022. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
^World Health Organization (May 2011). The immunological basis for immunization series: module 19: human papillomavirus infection. World Health Organization. hdl:10665/44604. ISBN9789241501590.
^World Health Organization (2023). The selection and use of essential medicines 2023: web annex A: World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 23rd list (2023). Geneva: World Health Organization. hdl:10665/371090. WHO/MHP/HPS/EML/2023.02.
^Fesenfeld M, Hutubessy R, Jit M (August 2013). "Cost-effectiveness of human papillomavirus vaccination in low and middle income countries: a systematic review". Vaccine. 31 (37): 3786–3804. doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.06.060. PMID23830973.