Human papillomavirus (HPV)
vaccines are highly effective in preventing the transmission of HPV and thus downstream HPV-related lower genital tract
neoplasias. First introduced in 2006, the
HPV vaccine has demonstrated clinical efficacy in both men and women. Several commercially available
vaccines now exist, but only one is available in the United States. Both prelicensure and postlicensure studies demonstrate robust safety profiles.
HPV vaccines should be made available to everyone between the ages of 9 and 26 years of age. Newer vaccination recommendations in expanded populations rely on patient-provider shared decision making. Currently, available
HPV vaccines offer little therapeutic benefit. Recent research has identified several new
DNA vaccines and delivery modifications with early demonstrated success at eliminating prevalent
HPV infections and precancerous lesions. Despite the success of the
HPV vaccine, vaccination hesitancy and disinformation continue to threaten our ability to eliminate these deadly
cancers. Informational, behavioral, and environmental interventions have mixed success in increasing vaccination rates, but several strategies do exist to increase rates of vaccination.