Safety of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines: a review of the international experience so far.
Despite the advent of the Papanicolaou smear test almost 50 years ago, cervical cancer remains the second most common malignant disease in women and the leading cause of cancer death in developing countries. Thus the two prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines currently available have been greeted with enthusiasm internationally, as an emerging primary prevention strategy against cervical cancer. Prior to licensure the vaccines were trialed in over 60,000 women and assessed as safe, within the statistical constraints of the trials to detect very rare events. Post-licensure surveillance is underway as vaccination programs are undertaken. We reviewed published post-licensure surveillance data, as at January 2009, and concur with international advisory bodies that both HPV vaccines are safe, effective and of great importance for women's health. Ongoing monitoring is required to maintain confidence in the safety of the vaccines.
Agorastos
Theodoros
T
1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road-Nea Efkarpia, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece. agorast@auth.gr
Chatzigeorgiou
Konstantinos
K
Brotherton
Julia M L
JM
Garland
Suzanne M
SM
D017277:Drug Approval; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011358:Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology; D014611:Vaccination / Q000009:adverse effects
D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines