Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. More than 100 types of HPV are known, and about 40 of these infect the human genital tract. HPV infects the skin, genital area, and lining of the cervix. Fifty to 75% of sexually active adults acquire at least one type of HPV during their lifetime.

Although most of these infections are asymptomatic and clear spontaneously, the FDA estimated that in 2006 more than 9,700 women in the U.S. would be  diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 3,700 women would die of this disease.

In 2006 the FDA approved the HPV vaccine Gardasil, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended the vaccine be incorporated into the routine schedule of childhood immunizations. A quadrivalent HPV vaccine, Gardasil is 90-100% effective against:

• HPV types 16 and 18, which cause about 70% of cervical cancers

• HPV types 6 and 11, which cause about 90% of genital warts

Vaccination is recommended for girls between the ages of 11-12, and is licensed for use in females between the ages of 9 and 26. Immunization is most effective when given before a girl becomes sexually active, as it then provides protection against all four HPV types.

50-75% of all sexually active adults are infected by HPV at some point in their lives.

In 2006 about 9,700 women in the U.S. were  diagnosed with cervical cancer, of these, an estimated 3,700 women will die of this disease.

HPV vaccination can prevent infection from HPV types 16 and 18, which cause about 70% of cervical cancers.

Although the vaccine has no therapeutic affect against existing disease, sexually active young women can also benefit, as they will be protected against any of the four types of HPV which they have not yet contracted.

Routine screening using the Pap test is still vital, for Gardasil protects against only four of the more than 100 types of HPV, and does not safeguard young women who have already contracted HPV.