HPV vaccine
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| Vaccine description | |
|---|---|
| Target disease | human papillomavirus |
| Type | Protein subunit |
| Clinical data | |
| Trade names | Gardasil, Cervarix |
| Pregnancy category |
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| Routes of administration |
injection |
| ATC code | |
| Legal status | |
| Legal status |
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| Identifiers | |
| ChemSpider |
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Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines are vaccines that prevent infection by certain types of human papillomavirus. Available vaccines protect against either two, four, or nine types of HPV. All vaccines protect against at least HPV 16 and 18 that cause the greatest risk of cervical cancer. It is estimated that they may prevent 70% of cervical cancer, 80% of anal cancer, 60% of vaginal cancer, 40% of vulvar cancer, and possibly some mouth cancer. They additionally prevent some genital warts with the vaccines against 4 and 9 HPV types providing greater protection.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends HPV vaccines as part of routine vaccinations in countries that can afford them, along with other prevention measures. The vaccines require two or three doses depending on how old the person is. Vaccinating girls around the ages of nine to thirteen is typically recommended. The vaccines provide protection for at least eight years. Cervical cancer screening is still required following vaccination. Vaccinating a large portion of the population may also benefit the unvaccinated. In those already infected the vaccines do not help.
HPV vaccines are very safe. Pain at the site of injection occurs in about 80% of people. Redness and swelling at the site and fever may also occur. No link to Guillain–Barré syndrome has been found.
The first HPV vaccine became available in 2006. As of 2014, 58 countries include it in their routine vaccinations, at least for girls. They are on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. The wholesale cost in the developing world is about US$47 a dose as of 2014. In the United States it cost more than US$200. Vaccination may be cost effective in the developing world.
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