Early HPV prevention.

The vaccine that prevents infection with four strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), including the ones responsible for the majority of cervical cancers and genital warts, in women aged 16 and older may be effective if administered to girls and boys as young as 10. (1) In the first study to examine its effects in preadolescents and young teenagers, sexually inexperienced 10-15-year-olds who received the three-dose vaccination developed sufficient levels of antibodies to ward off infection; moreover, the results "are highly suggestive that long-term protection after vaccination is likely." As the researchers stress, these findings are important because the risk of HPV infection is greatest in the early years of sexual activity. Finally, the investigators note that although serious adverse consequences of HPV infection are more common among females than among males, infected men are at risk of certain cancers and can spread the infection to their female partners; therefore, they conclude that the findings support "the implementation of gender-neutral immunization."

(1.) Block SL et al., Comparison of the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of a prophylactic quadrivalent human papillomavirus (types 6, 11, 16, and 18) L1 virus-like particle vaccine in male and female adolescents and young women, Pediatrics, 2006, 118(5):2135-2145.

FYI is compiled and written by Dore Hollander, executive editor of Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health.