Human papilloma virus vaccine--more than a vaccine

In February 2006, this journal summarized the scientific and psychosocial data generated about the first generation of prophylactic human papilloma virus vaccines. Since then, the world has held its breath, as the first vaccine to be aimed at the prevention of cancer has made its global debut. We look at this debut in the context of recent findings.

Many countries have embarked on vaccination programmes to target prevention and media attention has continued unabated. Studies show promising results regarding vaccine acceptance and cost-effectiveness. Who we vaccinate and the quality of campaign materials used now have the potential to alter the very effectiveness of these vaccines as primary preventive tools. With the licensing of Gardasil a new era has started for patients and health professionals alike. Far from a passive new development foisted upon us, it promises to play a pivotal role: to optimize patient information and to advocate strategies we wish health policy makers to achieve.

We aim to summarize how updated information, since this debut, can add to our consultations and help give us a collective voice to address the rising healthcare disparities involved.