Human papillomavirus vaccines: who will pay, who will receive, when to administer?

The availability of a prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer and its precursors offers the potential to reduce cervical cancer incidence, mortality, and related morbidity. In addition, HPV vaccination has the potential to reduce existing cervical cancer disparities. Policy and implementation issues, including vaccine funding and identification of whom to vaccinate and when, will affect the success of HPV vaccination in achieving its potential. While many public and private programs are available to cover the costs of vaccination, each has challenges and limitations. The high cost of the HPV vaccine in particular will substantially add to the burden of vaccine financing and delivery. Even as HPV vaccination for the prevention of cervical cancer is introduced and promoted, it remains critical that women undergo regular screening regardless of whether they have been vaccinated.