The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was developed to help protect women from some HPV infections that can lead to cervical cancer. Currently, the American Cancer Society recommends routine HPV vaccination for girls 11 to 12 years of age, as well as females aged 13 to 18 who need to catch up on missed vaccines. At this point in time, the American Cancer Society finds a lack of evidence for recommending vaccination for the 19- to 26-year old age group. In the June 6, 2009 issue of The Lancet, an international group of investigators reports that the quadrivalent HPV vaccine is efficacious in women aged 24 to 45 who have not previously been infected with the relevant HPV types.

The quadrivalent HPV vaccine prevents against infections with HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. The investigators tested the safety and efficacy of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine among women aged 24-45 years who had no history of genital warts or cervical disease. Study participants were randomly assigned to receive three doses of either the quadrivalent HPV vaccine or placebo at the recommended vaccine dosing schedule. The researchers found that the HPV vaccine was 90.5% effective in preventing HPV infection from HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 and there were no vaccine-related serious adverse events.

Based on this study, the researchers concluded that the quadrivalent HPV vaccine was efficacious in women aged 24-45 years who were not infected with HPV 6, 11, 16, or 18 at the time of enrollment in the study. However, it is not known if vaccination in older females is cost-effective. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated women should still continue to be screened for cervical cancer with Pap smears and other tests.

Source:

The Lancet. 2009;373:1949-1957.