Traveller vaccination human papillomavirus
To read more about human papillomavirus, click here.
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Traveler Vaccination |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Seyedmahdi Pahlavani, M.D. [2]
Overview
Protection against human papillomavirus is not specific to the needs of most travellers. In many countries vaccine against human papillomavirus is routinely administered in childhood. Before travelling, missing vaccinations in young girls should be offered according to national recommendations.
Disease cause
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Transmission
Sexual contact
Nature of the disease
HPV mostly causes transient benign mucosal infection but it can develop to anogenital precancerous conditions and cancers. Some genotypes of HPV may cause anogenital warts and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.
Geographical distribution
HPV is prevalent globally. The incidence of cervical cancer is highest in Latin America and the Caribbean, sub-Saharan Africa, Melanesia, and southern Asia.
Risk for travellers
Transmission of HPV occurs most commonly through sexual activity.
Vaccine
Two vaccines against HPV infection are available.
- Bivalent (2 genotypes); 2 doses protect against genital cancer.
- Tetravalent (4 genotypes); 3 doses protect against genital cancers and warts.
The vaccines are intended primarily for girls 9-14 years of age.