Programmatic issues in the implementation of an HPV vaccination program to prevent cervical cancer

Abstract

Cervical cancer remains an important health problem even in countries with effective cervical screening programs. HPV vaccines offer great potential for primary prevention of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. Eventual implementation of an HPV vaccination program raises several key issues, including universal vs. targeted vaccinations, the age and gender of vaccine recipients, the acceptability of this vaccine to health care providers, adolescents, and parents, and the effect of this vaccine on cervical cancer screening. These issues were explored among symposium attendees during an interactive question-and-answer session using computerized voting pads. Preventative HPV vaccination programs should ideally be executed universally in both women and men with an emphasis on children and adolescents prior to their first sexual experience. Parent education on HPV disease and vaccine efficacy and safety will be critical to the acceptability of HPV vaccination for their children. HPV vaccination will not eliminate the need for Pap screening. Further research will be needed to develop rational and cost-effective cervical surveillance programs for women protected by HPV vaccines.