Human papilloma virus vaccine--more than a vaccine.
OBJECTIVE
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Pallecaros
Anna
A
Sexual Health Medicine, The Princess Grace Hospital, London, UK. drannap@gmail.com
Vonau
Barbara
B
D002648:Child; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D000068857:Human Papillomavirus Recombinant Vaccine Quadrivalent, Types 6, 11, 16, 18; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011159:Population Surveillance; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000068857:Human Papillomavirus Recombinant Vaccine Quadrivalent, Types 6, 11, 16, 18; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines