HPV vaccination can prevent cervical cancer. Currently, there are two vaccines focused on this virus and its most dangerous types. Both are effective against HPV 16 and 18, which account for 70% of precancerous cervical lesions and cervical cancers. One also protects against HPV 6 and 11, which cause anogenital warts, and 5 other high-risk HPV genotypes. Clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of both vaccines. These vaccines work best when given before HPV exposure, so administration before first sexual contact is preferred.

Mahboobeh Safaeian, MPH, PhD
Director of Clinical Sciences for HPV: Roche