Human Papillomavirus Vaccination

Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted virus. Most HPV infections clear or become undetectable within 1 to 2 years, but persistent infection can lead to cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, or oropharyngeal cancer. Among the oncogenic HPV types, HPV16 is the most likely type to progress to cancer and causes most of the HPV-attributable cancers in women and men. HPV vaccines target HPV types that cause most HPV-attributable cancers. In clinical trials, vaccines had high efficacy for the prevention of HPV vaccine-type attributable precancers. Protection after vaccination is long-lasting. In the United States, routine HPV vaccination is recommended at 11 or 12 years of age; vaccination can be started at 9 years of age. Vaccination is recommended through 26 years of age for previously unvaccinated persons. Shared clinical decision making regarding vaccination is recommended for some persons 27 to 45 years of age. Screening for cervical cancer, according to established guidelines, is recommended regardless of HPV vaccination history. Human Papillomavirus Vaccination HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus; oncogenic types lead to HPV-attributable cancers. Vaccines are highly effective for preventing HPV vaccine-type infection, precancers, and other attributable conditions.