Long-term follow-up of a quadrivalent HPV vaccine

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection causes genital warts and cervical cancers. A number of preventive HPV vaccines have been developed. Follow-up of patients who were enrolled in initial efficacy trials of these vaccines is ongoing. Such trials have proven HPV vaccines to be effective in preventing persistent infection and cervical disease; however, long-term safety, efficacy and immunogenicity can only be ascertained by longer-term follow-up. At 5 years' follow-up, the prophylactic quadrivalent HPV vaccine targeting HPV 6/11/16/18 demonstrates an excellent safety profile and continues to prevent persistent infection and disease. The need for booster immunizations continues to be under review. © 2007 Future Drugs Ltd.