HPV-Impfungen für Mädchen und Jungen: Update

The consequences of infections with human papillomavirus (HPV) include cancer and its precursors in addition to genital warts. Regions of the internal and external genitalia, the anus, the skin, the mucous membranes as well as the oropharyngeal cavity can be infected with HPV. In particular, cervical cancer and its precursors can be a severe consequence of HPV infections. For this reason, vaccines were developed which protect against infection with certain HPV types and, therefore, prevent HPV-associated diseases. In 2006 the first HPV vaccine, Gardasil®, which protects against infection with types 6, 11, 16 and 18, was approved in the USA and Europe. In 2007, another HPV vaccine, Cervarix®, which protects against types 16 and 18, was approved. Gardasil® 9 was also recently approved and protects against the 9 HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. As the vaccine does not protect against all HPV types associated with cervical cancer, screening for cervical cancer, which women in Germany are entitled to undergo once a year, remains essential. The HPV vaccine is considered to be safe and effective. Internationally the vaccine is provided in different ways in individual countries, with some countries providing organized programs. This results in a large variation in vaccination rates. The HPV vaccine is approved for both girls and women and many countries recommend its use for these groups. The HPV vaccine is also approved for boys and men. Currently there is widespread international debate as to whether a recommendation for boys is meaningful within this context.