Immunization Issues

Many adolescents, adults and healthcare providers have a limited understanding of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, particularly those that are sexually transmitted. Further, many are uninformed about the links between genital HPV infection, abnormal Pap tests and cervical—and other—cancers. People must understand these issues to make informed decisions about the new vaccines to prevent HPV-caused diseases. This section explains what HPVs are, how the genital types are acquired, what happens once someone is infected, and discusses strategies for the prevention of genital HPV infections, including strategies for using the new vaccines.