HPV Vaccine

This initial obstetrician–gynecologist office visit is an ideal time to discuss preventive health care, including availability of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine. This vaccine has been approved for administration to females aged 9–26 years. Although maximally effective if received prior to exposure to HPV, it is also beneficial for females who are already sexually active. This vaccine offers protection against HPV genotypes 16 and 18, which cause over 70% of cervical cancers, and against HPV genotypes 6 and 11, which cause 90% of genital warts. Currently, protection is considered to last at least five years; the need for a booster is not yet determined. Regardless of vaccination status, cervical cytology screening recommendations are unchanged: cervical cancer screening is not indicated until one has been sexually active for three years or reaches 21 years of age.