Human papillomavirus vaccination in adults: impact, opportunities and challenges – a meeting report

Abstract

For more than a decade human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine have been implemented in most high-income countries, and more recently also in several low- and middle-income countries. The vaccines are safe and their impact and effectiveness in preventing HPV vaccine type infection and associated diseases has been thoroughly established. Currently, the primary recommended cohorts for immunisation are adolescents, 9–15 years of age but HPV is an ubiquitous infection that is mainly (but not exclusively) sexually transmitted. Sexually active adults remain susceptible to infection and continued transmission of the virus, representing a reservoir of infection in the population. A recent meeting, conducted by the HPV Prevention and Control Board (HPV-PCB), reviewed the current status of HPV vaccination of adults, discussed limitations, challenges and benefits of HPV vaccination of adults, evaluated the effectiveness of HPV vaccination after treatment of post cervical cancer and precancerous lesions, and discussed the potential impact of adult vaccination on cervical cancer elimination strategies in light of the current and future HPV vaccine shortage. HPV-PCB is an independent multidisciplinary board of international experts that disseminates relevant information on HPV to a broad array of stakeholders and provides guidance on strategic, technical and policy issues in the implementation of HPV prevention and control programs. The HPV-PCB concluded that, given the current data available on adult HPV vaccination and the ongoing vaccine supply constraints, it is too early to implement routine vaccination of adults. Many research gaps need to be filled before we have a better understanding of the efficacy and broader public health impact of HPV vaccination in adult women.

Modeling the transmission dynamics and vaccination strategies for human papillomavirus infection: An optimal control approach

“…In addition, in many countries, HPV vaccine coverage is less than 60%, making the protection against males difficult to achieve. Therefore, the recommended cohorts for immunization are both adolescent girls and boys 9-15 years of age [15,62]. There are also important arguments to extend vaccination to older cohorts.…”

“…The optimal vaccine distribution between genders is still a matter of debate. Further studies are needed to investigate under which conditions the inclusion of males and adult females into existing vaccination programs is cost-effective [59,62].…”

Human Papillomavirus Prevention by Vaccination: A Review Article

“…The HPV-PCB seeks to produce and spread a wide range of people with pertinent information on the stakeholders' prevention and management of HPV-associated disorders. By holding two meetings a year, it meets its goals [27].…”

Assessment of Acceptability and Determinants of Uptake and Schedule Completion of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine by 25 to 45 Years Old Women in Slovenia

“…In addition to girls and boys targeted in the great majority of national vaccination programs worldwide, adult women and men could also benefit from HPV vaccination [ 16 ]. Women aged 25 to 45 years account for approximately one third of those eligible for cervical cancer screening.…”