Human papillomavirus Vaccination: a review

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide, affecting the majority of people at some point in their lives. The persistence of high-risk HPV is not only critical for the development of cervical cancer, but also contributes to the development of cancers in other anogenital areas, including the penis, vulva, vagina, anus and oropharynx. Prophylactic HPV vaccines have the potential to prevent HPV infection and thereby reduce the burden of HPV-related disease. The primary target population for HPV vaccination is individuals aged 9-14 years with no history of HPV infection. Vaccination is also recommended for those who are already infected, although efficacy may not be as robust as in the HPV-naive group. Many countries are implementing gender-neutral vaccination programmes, encouraging both males and females to receive the vaccine. This approach aims to reduce the risk of HPV-related cancers, prevent anogenital warts, and promote herd immunity. While routine single-dose vaccination is not the norm, it may be considered in resource-limited settings where access to multiple doses is difficult. Long-term data confirm that HPV vaccines significantly reduce the incidence of cancer and HPV-related diseases, and underscore their safety and efficacy.