A B S T R A C TThe Human Papillomavirus Prevention and Control Board brought together experts to discuss optimizing HPV vaccination and screening programs.Board members reviewed the safety profile of licensed HPV vaccines based on clinical and post-marketing data, reaching a consensus that current safety data is reassuring.Successful vaccination programs used well-coordinated communication campaigns, integrating (social) media to spread awareness. Communication of evidence supporting vaccine effectiveness had beneficial effects on the perception of the vaccine. However, anti-vaccination campaigns have threatened existing programs in many countries.Measurement and monitoring of HPV vaccine confidence over time could help understand the nature and scale of waning confidence, define issues and intervene appropriately using context-specific evidence-based strategies. Finally, a broad group of stakeholders, such as teachers, health care providers and the media should also be provided with accurate information and training to help support prevention efforts through enhanced understanding of the risks and benefits of vaccination.Similarly, while cervical cancer screening through population-based programs is highly effective, barriers to screening exist: awareness in countries with population-based screening programs, access for vulnerable populations, and access and affordability in low-and middle-income countries. Integration of primary and secondary prevention has the potential to accelerate the decrease in cervical cancer incidence.
IntroductionThe HPV Prevention and Control Board was created in December 2015 [1] with the aim to share relevant information on HPV with a broad array of stakeholders, and to implement preventive strategies to reduce the HPV-related disease burden. Here we report the discussion that took place during the first official meeting, held on June 27 and 28, 2016, in Antwerp, Belgium.1The objectives of the meeting were (a) to summarize the available adverse event profile and any reported safety concerns following HPV vaccination, (b) to summarize cultural, perceptual, infrastructural and financial barriers to the implementation of vaccination, (c) to identify factors that influence adherence to cervical screening programs, (d) to propose strategies to build public confidence in HPV prevention programs and address any vaccination and screening hesitancy, and (e) to discuss new approaches to improve HPV prevention and cervical cancer control.
Vaccine safety profileThe safety of new products is critical for licensure and successful implementation/uptake. Critical review of clinical trial data is the first step in this process. However, as clinical trials generally involve limited numbers, and participants may have health conditions different from those in the general population, post-marketing surveillance is essential.While licensure has varied according to country, HPV vaccines have been available since 2006 beginning with the quadrivalent (4vHPV, Gardasil, Merck), followed by the bivalent (2vHP...