HPV Virus Vaccine

Submitted by: Raphaelle Dmitri Alabanzas

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is one of the causative agents of cervical

cancer. It is the second most lethal cancer in women, second only to breast
cancer, killing 275,000 women worldwide every year.
Human papilloma virus vaccines are vaccines that prevent infection by
certain types of human papillomavirus. Available vaccines protect against
either two, four or nine types of HPV. All vaccines protect against at least
HPV types 16 and 18, which cause the greatest risk of cervical cancer.
A successful HPV vaccination is considered a major medical
accomplishment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has
approved HPV vaccines like Gardasil and Cervarix for use among females
between 9 – 26 years of age.
The first HPV vaccine became available in 2006. As of 2017, 71 countries
include it in their routine vaccinations, at least for girls. They are on the
World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective
and safe medicines needed in a health system. The wholesale cost in the
developing world is about US$47 a dose as of 2014. In the United States, it
costs more than US$200. Vaccination may be cost effective in the
developing world.
Discovered by: Ian Frazer and Jian Zhou at the University of Queensland in
2006