Data 21 October 2026 Compiled by an agent pipeline, verified quote-by-quote Methods · Changelog · Corrections

Open Source Medicine Foundation

HPV vaccines (2v, 4v, 9v)

Compiled October 2026

Disease risks, post-acute sequelae and vaccine efficacy, compiled 21 October 2026. For vaccine adverse-event data see the Vaccine Data Navigator page.

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23
disease risks
10
post-acute and long-term sequelae
90
vaccine efficacy and effectiveness
5
vaccine safety and adverse events
45
sources

Genital HPV infection (prevalence, persistent infection) Human papillomavirus

Disease risks

Acute risks of the infection itself: complications, hospitalisation, ICU, death.

Outcome (O)Population (P)ComparatorEstimateDesign (S)Source
Cervical HPV DNA prevalence
severity: infection
case definition: HPV DNA detected by PCR or Hybrid Capture 2 in women with normal cytology
women of all ages with normal cytology (age-specific peak under 25 years)
sex: female
vaccination status: unvaccinated
country: global (194 studies, 5 continents)
setting: community and screening populations
period: studies published 1995-2009, pre-vaccination era
n: 1,016,719 women
12-17y18-49y50-64y65+
11.7 (11.6–11.7)
prevalence (%)
per woman with normal cytology
meta-analysisBruni et al. 2010 J Infect Dis
quote
The estimated global HPV prevalence was 11.7% (95% confidence interval, 11.6%-11.7%).
abstract, RESULTS
Pre-vaccination baseline. Women with abnormal cytology are excluded, so this understates overall prevalence.
Cervical HPV DNA prevalence
severity: infection
case definition: HPV DNA detected by PCR or Hybrid Capture 2 in women with normal cytology
women of all ages with normal cytology
sex: female
vaccination status: unvaccinated
country: sub-Saharan Africa
setting: community and screening populations
period: studies published 1995-2009, pre-vaccination era
12-17y18-49y50-64y65+
24.0
prevalence (%)
per woman with normal cytology
meta-analysisBruni et al. 2010 J Infect Dis
quote
Sub-Saharan Africa (24.0%), Eastern Europe (21.4%), and Latin America (16.1%) showed the highest prevalences.
abstract, RESULTS
Highest regional prevalence in the meta-analysis; compare the global 11.7% figure (hpv-bur-001). Eastern Europe (21.4%) and Latin America (16.1%) are in the same sentence.
Cervical HPV-16 prevalence
severity: infection
strain: HPV-16
case definition: Type-specific HPV DNA in women with normal cytology
women of all ages with normal cytology
sex: female
vaccination status: unvaccinated
country: global
period: studies published 1995-2009, pre-vaccination era
n: 215,568 women with type-specific data
12-17y18-49y50-64y65+
3.2
prevalence (%)
per woman with normal cytology
meta-analysisBruni et al. 2010 J Infect Dis
quote
Among the women with type-specific HPV data (n = 215,568), the 5 most common types worldwide were HPV-16 (3.2%), HPV-18 (1.4%), HPV-52 (0.9%), HPV-31 (0.8%), and HPV-58 (0.7%).
abstract, RESULTS
HPV-18 (1.4%), HPV-52 (0.9%), HPV-31 (0.8%) and HPV-58 (0.7%) follow in the same sentence.
HPV acquisition
severity: infection
case definition: Incident HPV infection by HIV status in included cohort studies
adult women (as reported in included studies)
sex: female
immune status: HIV-positive
vaccination status: not reported
country: multiple
18-49y50-64y
vs HIV-negative women2.64 (2.04–3.42)
pooled RR vs HIV-negative women
per woman
meta-analysis
38 studies
Liu et al. 2018 AIDS
quote
HIV-positive women had higher HPV acquisition [relative risk (RRpooled) 2.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.04-3.42] and lower HPV clearance (hazard ratiopooled 0.72, 95% CI 0.62-0.84) than HIV-negative women.
abstract, RESULTS
Fixed-effect pooling; acquisition rose with declining CD4 count and was lower on ART. Behavioural confounding between HIV-positive and HIV-negative women is possible.
Prevalent genital HPV infection
severity: infection
case definition: Estimated number of persons infected with HPV
all ages (US population)
vaccination status: unvaccinated
country: United States
period: 2003-2006, before vaccine introduction
All ages
79 million
number of prevalent infections
per US population
expert bodycdc.gov
quote
Based on data from 2003–2006 (before vaccine introduction), an estimated 79 million persons were infected in the United States.
Epidemiology, Disease Burden
CDC Pink Book estimate of prevalence before the 2006 quadrivalent vaccine introduction.
Incident genital HPV infection
severity: infection
case definition: Estimated number of new HPV infections per year
all ages; nearly half in persons 15 through 24 years
vaccination status: unvaccinated
country: United States
period: before vaccine introduction
All ages
14 million
number of new infections per year
per US population per year
expert bodycdc.gov
quote
Approximately 14 million new HPV infections occurred annually, with nearly half occurring in persons age 15 through 24 years.
Epidemiology, Disease Burden
Pre-vaccine estimate; most infections are asymptomatic and clear within 1-2 years.

Vaccine efficacy and effectiveness

Every estimate compiled, annotated by population (P), intervention (I), comparator (C), outcome (O) and study design (S).

Outcome (O)Population (P)Intervention / comparatorEstimateDesign (S)Source
Prevalence of HPV 16 and 18 genital infection
severity: infection
strain: HPV 16/18
case definition: HPV 16/18 DNA prevalence before vs after vaccination programmes, same population sources
girls aged 13-19 years
sex: female
country: 14 high-income countries
setting: population-level programme evaluation
period: 5-8 years after vaccination introduction
12-17y
HPV vaccination programmes (bivalent or quadrivalent)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: programme (not reported per individual)
vs pre-vaccination period
0.17 (0.11–0.25)
RR post- vs pre-vaccination period
follow-up: 5-8 years after introduction
meta-analysisDrolet et al. 2019 Lancet
quote
After 5-8 years of vaccination, the prevalence of HPV 16 and 18 decreased significantly by 83% (RR 0·17, 95% CI 0·11-0·25) among girls aged 13-19 years, and decreased significantly by 66% (RR 0·34, 95% CI 0·23-0·49) among women aged 20-24 years.
abstract, FINDINGS
Ecological before-after comparison including herd effects; 83% decrease. Women 20-24: 66% decrease (RR 0.34).
Prevalence of HPV 31, 33 and 45 (non-vaccine types, cross-protection)
severity: infection
strain: HPV 31/33/45
case definition: HPV 31/33/45 DNA prevalence before vs after vaccination programmes
girls aged 13-19 years
sex: female
country: 14 high-income countries
setting: population-level programme evaluation
period: 5-8 years after vaccination introduction
12-17y
HPV vaccination programmes (bivalent or quadrivalent)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: programme (not reported per individual)
vs pre-vaccination period
0.46 (0.33–0.66)
RR post- vs pre-vaccination period
meta-analysisDrolet et al. 2019 Lancet
quote
The prevalence of HPV 31, 33, and 45 decreased significantly by 54% (RR 0·46, 95% CI 0·33-0·66) among girls aged 13-19 years.
abstract, FINDINGS
Population-level evidence of cross-protection.
Prevalence of HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18
severity: infection
strain: HPV 6/11/16/18
case definition: Vaccine-type HPV prevalence in national survey data before and after vaccine introduction
females 14 through 19 years
sex: female
country: United States
setting: national survey (population level)
period: within 10 years of 2006 introduction
12-17y
quadrivalent HPV vaccine (US programme)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: programme (not reported per individual)
vs pre-vaccine prevalence
86
decrease in prevalence (%) vs pre-vaccine period
expert bodycdc.gov
quote
Within a decade following the U.S. introduction of quadrivalent HPV vaccine in 2006, prevalence of HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 decreased 86% among females age 14 through 19 years and decreased 71% among females age 20 through 24 years.
Epidemiology, Disease Burden
71% decrease among females 20 through 24 in the same passage. Population-level figure including herd effects, with US coverage only around half of adolescents.
12-month persistent cervical infection with HPV-16/18
severity: persistent infection
strain: HPV-16/18
case definition: HPV-16/18 DNA detected at two visits 12 months apart
15 to 25 years
sex: female
prior infection: TVC-naive (no high-risk HPV at baseline)
country: multinational
12-17y18-49y
HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted bivalent vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 3
vs hepatitis A control vaccine
89.9 (84.0–94.0)
VE (%)
follow-up: mean approximately 39 months
RCTApter et al. 2015 Clin Vaccine Immunol
quote
VE against 12-month persistent infection with HPV-16/18 was 89.9% (84.0, 94.0), and that against HPV-31/33/45/51 was 49.0% (34.7, 60.3).
abstract
Cross-protective efficacy against HPV-31/33/45/51 in the same sentence (hpv-eff-029).
12-month persistent cervical infection with HPV-31/33/45/51 (non-vaccine types)
severity: persistent infection
strain: HPV-31/33/45/51
case definition: Non-vaccine oncogenic HPV DNA detected at two visits 12 months apart
15 to 25 years
sex: female
prior infection: TVC-naive
country: multinational
12-17y18-49y
HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted bivalent vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 3
vs hepatitis A control vaccine
49.0 (34.7–60.3)
VE (%)
follow-up: mean approximately 39 months
RCTApter et al. 2015 Clin Vaccine Immunol
quote
VE against 12-month persistent infection with HPV-16/18 was 89.9% (84.0, 94.0), and that against HPV-31/33/45/51 was 49.0% (34.7, 60.3).
abstract
Cross-protection: partial efficacy against types not in the vaccine.
Incident HPV-16/18 cervical infection (one-time detection)
severity: infection
strain: HPV-16/18
case definition: First incident HPV-16/18 DNA detection during follow-up
15 to 25 years
sex: female
prior infection: HPV-16/18 DNA negative at enrolment
country: Costa Rica and PATRICIA multinational sites
n: 22 327 received three doses
12-17y18-49y
HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted bivalent vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 3
vs control vaccine
77.0 (74.7–79.1)
VE (%)
follow-up: 4 years
RCTKreimer et al. 2015 Lancet Oncol
quote
Vaccine efficacy against incident HPV-16/18 infections for three doses was 77·0% (95% CI 74·7-79·1), two doses was 76·0% (62·0-85·3), and one dose was 85·7% (70·7-93·7).
abstract, FINDINGS
Modified total vaccinated cohort. Dose groups were not randomised; women receiving fewer doses did so by default (post-hoc analysis).
Incident HPV-16/18 cervical infection (one-time detection)
severity: infection
strain: HPV-16/18
case definition: First incident HPV-16/18 DNA detection during follow-up
15 to 25 years
sex: female
prior infection: HPV-16/18 DNA negative at enrolment
country: Costa Rica and PATRICIA multinational sites
n: 1185 received two doses
12-17y18-49y
HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted bivalent vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 2
vs control vaccine
76.0 (62.0–85.3)
VE (%)
follow-up: 4 years
RCTKreimer et al. 2015 Lancet Oncol
quote
Vaccine efficacy against incident HPV-16/18 infections for three doses was 77·0% (95% CI 74·7-79·1), two doses was 76·0% (62·0-85·3), and one dose was 85·7% (70·7-93·7).
abstract, FINDINGS
Non-randomised dose group (post-hoc).
Incident HPV-16/18 cervical infection (one-time detection)
severity: infection
strain: HPV-16/18
case definition: First incident HPV-16/18 DNA detection during follow-up
15 to 25 years
sex: female
prior infection: HPV-16/18 DNA negative at enrolment
country: Costa Rica and PATRICIA multinational sites
n: 543 received one dose
12-17y18-49y
HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted bivalent vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 1
vs control vaccine
85.7 (70.7–93.7)
VE (%)
follow-up: 4 years
RCTKreimer et al. 2015 Lancet Oncol
quote
Vaccine efficacy against incident HPV-16/18 infections for three doses was 77·0% (95% CI 74·7-79·1), two doses was 76·0% (62·0-85·3), and one dose was 85·7% (70·7-93·7).
abstract, FINDINGS
Non-randomised one-dose group (post-hoc); the first signal that one dose might suffice, later confirmed by KEN SHE and ESCUDDO.
Incident HPV-31/33/45 cervical infection (cross-protection)
severity: infection
strain: HPV-31/33/45
case definition: First incident HPV-31/33/45 DNA detection during follow-up
15 to 25 years
sex: female
country: Costa Rica and PATRICIA multinational sites
12-17y18-49y
HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted bivalent vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 1
vs control vaccine
36.6 (-5.4–62.2)
VE (%)
follow-up: 4 years
RCTKreimer et al. 2015 Lancet Oncol
quote
Vaccine efficacy against incident HPV-31/33/45 infections for three doses was 59·7% (56·0-63·0), two doses was 37·7% (12·4-55·9), and one dose was 36·6% (-5·4 to 62·2).
abstract, FINDINGS
Not significant. Three doses gave 59.7% (56.0-63.0) and two doses 37.7% against the same types in the same sentence: cross-protection may need more doses than type-specific protection.
Persistent infection, CIN or external genital lesions related to HPV6/11/16/18 (combined)
severity: infection or lesion
strain: HPV-6/11/16/18
case definition: Combined incidence of persistent infection, CIN and EGL with vaccine-type HPV
24 to 45 years
sex: female
prior infection: per-protocol: naive to the relevant type at day 1 and through month 7
country: multinational
n: 3819 women enrolled
18-49y
quadrivalent HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine (Gardasil)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
schedule: day 1, month 2, month 6
vs placebo
88.7 (78.1–94.8)
VE (%)
follow-up: median 4.0 years
RCTCastellsagué et al. 2011 Br J Cancer
quote
RESULTS: Vaccine efficacy against the combined incidence of persistent infection, CIN/EGL related to HPV6/11/16/18 in the per-protocol population was 88.7% (95% CI: 78.1, 94.8).
abstract, RESULTS
High type-specific efficacy in adult women who were still naive to the type; contrast the null Cochrane estimate in unselected adult women (hpv-eff-013).
Persistent infection, CIN or external genital lesions related to HPV6/11/16/18 (combined)
severity: infection or lesion
strain: HPV-6/11/16/18
case definition: Combined incidence of persistent infection, CIN and EGL with vaccine-type HPV
24 to 45 years
sex: female
prior infection: seropositive but DNA negative for the relevant type (previously cleared infection)
country: multinational
18-49y
quadrivalent HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine (Gardasil)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: at least 1
vs placebo
66.9 (4.3–90.6)
VE (%)
follow-up: median 4.0 years
RCTCastellsagué et al. 2011 Br J Cancer
quote
Efficacy for women who were seropositive and DNA negative for the relevant vaccine HPV type at the time of enrolment who received at least 1 dose was 66.9% (95% CI: 4.3, 90.6).
abstract, RESULTS
Prior infection subgroup: protection against re-infection or reactivation is possible but imprecise.
6-month persistent infection or CIN1+ associated with HPV 16/18
severity: persistent infection or CIN1+
strain: HPV 16/18
case definition: Persistent HPV 16/18 infection over 6 months or CIN1+ with HPV 16/18
older than 25 years (26-35, 36-45, 46 and over)
sex: female
prior infection: seronegative for the corresponding type (according-to-protocol cohort)
country: multinational
n: 4407 women in according-to-protocol cohort
18-49y50-64y
HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted bivalent vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 3
vs aluminium hydroxide control
90.5 (78.6–96.5)
VE (%)
follow-up: month 84 (7 years)
RCTWheeler et al. 2016 Lancet Infect Dis
quote
At month 84, in women seronegative for the corresponding HPV type in the according-to-protocol cohort for efficacy, vaccine efficacy against 6-month persistent infection or CIN1+ associated with HPV 16/18 was significant in all age groups combined (90·5%, 96·2% CI 78·6-96·5).
abstract, FINDINGS
Interval is a 96.2% CI as printed. Adult women who were seronegative for the type.
6-month persistent infection with HPV 31 (cross-protection)
severity: persistent infection
strain: HPV 31
case definition: HPV 31 DNA persisting over 6 months
older than 25 years
sex: female
prior infection: according-to-protocol cohort
country: multinational
18-49y50-64y
HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted bivalent vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 3
vs aluminium hydroxide control
65.8 (24.9–85.8)
VE (%)
follow-up: 7 years
RCTWheeler et al. 2016 Lancet Infect Dis
quote
We also noted significant cross-protective efficacy against 6-month persistent infection with HPV 31 (65·8%, 96·2% CI 24·9-85·8) and HPV 45 (70·7%, 96·2% CI 34·2-88·4).
abstract, FINDINGS
96.2% CI as printed. HPV 45 cross-protection 70.7% (34.2-88.4) in the same sentence.
Incident persistent HPV 16/18 cervical infection
severity: persistent infection
strain: HPV 16/18
case definition: Vaccine-type HPV DNA detected and persisting, modified intention-to-treat HPV 16/18 cohort
15 to 20 years
sex: female
country: Kenya
setting: LMIC
n: 2,275 women randomised (758 nonavalent)
12-17y18-49y
nonavalent HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 1
vs meningococcal control vaccine
98.8 (91.3–99.8)
VE (%)
follow-up: 3 years
RCTBarnabas et al. 2023 Nat Med
quote
Nonavalent VE was 98.8% (95% CI 91.3-99.8%, P < 0.0001) and bivalent VE was 97.5% (95% CI 90.0-99.4%, P < 0.0001).
abstract
First randomised single-dose efficacy trial. 1 persistent infection in the nonavalent group vs 72 in controls.
Incident persistent HPV 16/18 cervical infection
severity: persistent infection
strain: HPV 16/18
case definition: Vaccine-type HPV DNA detected and persisting, modified intention-to-treat HPV 16/18 cohort
15 to 20 years
sex: female
country: Kenya
setting: LMIC
n: 760 bivalent recipients
12-17y18-49y
bivalent HPV vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 1
vs meningococcal control vaccine
97.5 (90.0–99.4)
VE (%)
follow-up: 3 years
RCTBarnabas et al. 2023 Nat Med
quote
Nonavalent VE was 98.8% (95% CI 91.3-99.8%, P < 0.0001) and bivalent VE was 97.5% (95% CI 90.0-99.4%, P < 0.0001).
abstract
2 persistent infections in the bivalent group vs 72 in controls.
Incident persistent cervical infection with HPV 16/18/31/33/45/52/58
severity: persistent infection
strain: HPV 16/18/31/33/45/52/58
case definition: Seven oncogenic vaccine-type HPV DNA persisting, modified intention-to-treat cohort
15 to 20 years
sex: female
country: Kenya
setting: LMIC
12-17y18-49y
nonavalent HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 1
vs meningococcal control vaccine
95.5 (89.0–98.2)
VE (%)
follow-up: 3 years
RCTBarnabas et al. 2023 Nat Med
quote
Overall, 89 persistent infections were detected in the HPV 16/18/31/33/45/52/58 mITT cohort: 5 in the nonavalent group and 84 in the control group; nonavalent VE was 95.5% (95% CI 89.0-98.2%, P < 0.0001).
abstract
5 persistent infections vs 84 in controls.
New persistent HPV16 or HPV18 infection (month 12 to month 60)
severity: persistent infection
strain: HPV16/18
case definition: New HPV16/18 infection persisting at least 6 months
12 to 16 years
sex: female
country: Costa Rica
n: 20,330 girls randomised
5-11y12-17y
bivalent HPV vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 1 vs 2
vs two doses of the same vaccine
-0.13 (-0.45–0.15)
rate difference, one dose minus two doses, infections per 100 participants
follow-up: month 12 to month 60
RCTKreimer et al. 2025 N Engl J Med
quote
The rate difference between one and two doses of the bivalent vaccine was -0.13 infections per 100 participants (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.45 to 0.15; P<0.001 for noninferiority), and the difference between one and two doses of the nonavalent vaccine was 0.21 infections per 100 participants (95% CI, -0.09 to 0.51; P<0.001 for noninferiority).
abstract, RESULTS
Non-inferiority met (margin 1.25 per 100). Vaccine effectiveness was at least 97% in each of the four trial groups against a non-randomised unvaccinated survey population.
New persistent HPV16 or HPV18 infection (month 12 to month 60)
severity: persistent infection
strain: HPV16/18
case definition: New HPV16/18 infection persisting at least 6 months
12 to 16 years
sex: female
country: Costa Rica
5-11y12-17y
nonavalent HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 1 vs 2
vs two doses of the same vaccine
0.21 (-0.09–0.51)
rate difference, one dose minus two doses, infections per 100 participants
follow-up: month 12 to month 60
RCTKreimer et al. 2025 N Engl J Med
quote
The rate difference between one and two doses of the bivalent vaccine was -0.13 infections per 100 participants (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.45 to 0.15; P<0.001 for noninferiority), and the difference between one and two doses of the nonavalent vaccine was 0.21 infections per 100 participants (95% CI, -0.09 to 0.51; P<0.001 for noninferiority).
abstract, RESULTS
Non-inferiority met. The age group (12-16) is the routine vaccination target, which the KEN SHE and India cohorts did not cover with randomisation.
Persistent HPV 16/18 infection (over 6 months)
severity: persistent infection
strain: HPV 16/18
case definition: HPV 16/18 DNA persisting over 6 months
adult women (phase III trial cohort)
sex: female
prior infection: per-protocol population
country: China
18-49y
E. coli-produced HPV-16/18 bivalent vaccine (Cecolin)
platform: E. coli-expressed L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
vs hepatitis E control vaccine
97.0 (78.9–100.0)
VE (%)
follow-up: median 10.2 years
RCTZhao et al. 2025 Lancet Reg Health West Pac
quote
Over a median 10.2-year follow-up, vaccine efficacy was 87.5% (95% CI 6.4-99.7) against high-grade cervical, vulvar or vaginal lesions (1 case in the vaccine group and 8 cases in the control group, P = 0.0391), and 97.0% (95% CI 78.9-100.0) against persistent infection (over 6 months, 1 case in the vaccine group and 32 cases in the control group, P < 0.0001) in the per-protocol population.
abstract, FINDINGS
1 vs 32 cases over 10 years.
Cumulative incident HPV16/18 cervical infection
severity: infection
strain: HPV16/18
case definition: HPV16/18 DNA by SPF10-DEIA-LiPA PCR, cumulative over follow-up
18 to 25 years at vaccination
sex: female
country: Costa Rica
n: 134 one-dose women
18-49y
HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted bivalent vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 1
vs three-dose recipients (4.3%, 3.5% to 5.3%)
1.5 (0.3–4.9)
cumulative incidence (%) in one-dose recipients
follow-up: median 6.9 years
cohortSafaeian et al. 2018 J Natl Cancer Inst
quote
RESULTS: Among women in the three-dose, two-dose 0/6 , two-dose 0/1 , and one-dose groups, cumulative incident HPV16/18 infection rates (No. of events/No. of individuals) were 4.3% (88/2036, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.5% to 5.3%), 3.8% (3/78, 95% CI = 1.0% to 10.1%), 3.6% (7/192, 95% CI = 1.6% to 7.1%), and 1.5% (2/133, 95% CI = 0.3% to 4.9%; P = 1.00, .85, .17 comparing the two-dose 0/6 , two-dose 0/1 , and one-dose groups to the three-dose group, respectively).
abstract, RESULTS
Non-randomised dose groups within the CVT; one-dose women were not different in exposure (other HPV types equally prevalent). Compare hpv-eff-053.
Cumulative incident HPV16/18 cervical infection
severity: infection
strain: HPV16/18
case definition: HPV16/18 DNA by PCR, cumulative over follow-up
18 to 25 years at vaccination
sex: female
country: Costa Rica
n: 2036 three-dose women
18-49y
HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted bivalent vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 3
vs one- and two-dose recipients
4.3 (3.5–5.3)
cumulative incidence (%) in three-dose recipients
follow-up: median 6.9 years
cohortSafaeian et al. 2018 J Natl Cancer Inst
quote
RESULTS: Among women in the three-dose, two-dose 0/6 , two-dose 0/1 , and one-dose groups, cumulative incident HPV16/18 infection rates (No. of events/No. of individuals) were 4.3% (88/2036, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.5% to 5.3%), 3.8% (3/78, 95% CI = 1.0% to 10.1%), 3.6% (7/192, 95% CI = 1.6% to 7.1%), and 1.5% (2/133, 95% CI = 0.3% to 4.9%; P = 1.00, .85, .17 comparing the two-dose 0/6 , two-dose 0/1 , and one-dose groups to the three-dose group, respectively).
abstract, RESULTS
Reference group for hpv-eff-052; two-dose groups were 3.8% and 3.6%. All dose groups remained 100% seropositive at 7 years.
Persistent HPV 16 and 18 cervical infection
severity: persistent infection
strain: HPV 16/18
case definition: HPV 16/18 DNA detected on consecutive samples in married participants
10 to 18 years at vaccination
sex: female
country: India
setting: LMIC, nine centres
period: vaccinated 2009-2010, followed to 10 years
n: 2135 single-dose women assessed
5-11y12-17y
quadrivalent HPV vaccine (Gardasil)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 1
vs unvaccinated age-matched women
95.4 (85.0–99.9)
VE (%)
follow-up: median 9.0 years
cohortBasu et al. 2021 Lancet Oncol
quote
Vaccine efficacy against persistent HPV 16 and 18 infection among participants evaluable for the endpoint was 95·4% (95% CI 85·0-99·9) in the single-dose default cohort (2135 women assessed), 93·1% (77·3-99·8) in the two-dose cohort (1452 women assessed), and 93·3% (77·5-99·7) in three-dose recipients (1460 women assessed).
abstract, FINDINGS
Trial converted to a cohort after India suspended vaccination; dose cohorts were allocated by default, not randomised, and compared with recruited unvaccinated controls after confounder adjustment.
Persistent HPV 16 and 18 cervical infection
severity: persistent infection
strain: HPV 16/18
case definition: HPV 16/18 DNA detected on consecutive samples
10 to 18 years at vaccination
sex: female
country: India
setting: LMIC, nine centres
n: 1452 two-dose women assessed
5-11y12-17y
quadrivalent HPV vaccine (Gardasil)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 2
schedule: 0 and 6 months
vs unvaccinated age-matched women
93.1 (77.3–99.8)
VE (%)
follow-up: median 9.0 years
cohortBasu et al. 2021 Lancet Oncol
quote
Vaccine efficacy against persistent HPV 16 and 18 infection among participants evaluable for the endpoint was 95·4% (95% CI 85·0-99·9) in the single-dose default cohort (2135 women assessed), 93·1% (77·3-99·8) in the two-dose cohort (1452 women assessed), and 93·3% (77·5-99·7) in three-dose recipients (1460 women assessed).
abstract, FINDINGS
See hpv-eff-054.
Persistent HPV 16 and 18 cervical infection
severity: persistent infection
strain: HPV 16/18
case definition: HPV 16/18 DNA detected on consecutive samples
10 to 18 years at vaccination
sex: female
country: India
setting: LMIC, nine centres
n: 1460 three-dose women assessed
5-11y12-17y
quadrivalent HPV vaccine (Gardasil)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
vs unvaccinated age-matched women
93.3 (77.5–99.7)
VE (%)
follow-up: median 9.0 years
cohortBasu et al. 2021 Lancet Oncol
quote
Vaccine efficacy against persistent HPV 16 and 18 infection among participants evaluable for the endpoint was 95·4% (95% CI 85·0-99·9) in the single-dose default cohort (2135 women assessed), 93·1% (77·3-99·8) in the two-dose cohort (1452 women assessed), and 93·3% (77·5-99·7) in three-dose recipients (1460 women assessed).
abstract, FINDINGS
One, two and three doses gave indistinguishable 10-year protection in this cohort.
Oral HPV16/18/6/11 infection prevalence
severity: infection
strain: HPV 16/18/6/11
case definition: Vaccine-type HPV DNA in oral rinse samples, NHANES 2011-2014
18 to 33 years
country: United States
setting: national survey (NHANES)
period: 2011-2014
n: 2,627 men and women
18-49y
HPV vaccine (self-reported, product not specified)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: at least 1 (self-reported)
vs unvaccinated survey participants
88.2 (5.7–98.5)
reduction in prevalence (%) vaccinated vs unvaccinated, adjusted
cohortChaturvedi et al. 2018 J Clin Oncol
quote
The prevalence of oral HPV16/18/6/11 infections was significantly reduced in vaccinated versus unvaccinated individuals (0.11% v 1.61%; Padj = .008), corresponding to an estimated 88.2% (95% CI, 5.7% to 98.5%) reduction in prevalence after model adjustment for age, sex, and race.
abstract, Results
Cross-sectional with self-reported vaccination; 0.11% vs 1.61% prevalence. Wide interval. Relevant to oropharyngeal cancer prevention, for which no cancer-outcome data exist yet.

Cervical precancer (CIN2+/CIN3+, AIS) Human papillomavirus (high-risk types)

Disease risks

Acute risks of the infection itself: complications, hospitalisation, ICU, death.

Outcome (O)Population (P)ComparatorEstimateDesign (S)Source
High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions
severity: HSIL
case definition: Incident HSIL by HIV status in included studies
adult women (as reported in included studies)
sex: female
immune status: HIV-positive
vaccination status: not reported
country: multiple
18-49y50-64y
vs HIV-negative women1.32 (1.10–1.58)
pooled HR vs HIV-negative women
per woman
meta-analysisLiu et al. 2018 AIDS
quote
HIV was associated with higher incidence of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL; RRpooled 3.73, 95% CI 2.62-5.32) and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL; hazard ratiopooled 1.32, 95% CI 1.10-1.58), largely because of increased HPV persistence.
abstract, RESULTS
Authors attribute the excess largely to increased HPV persistence. LSIL RR 3.73 is in the same sentence.
Prevalent CIN3 or worse at age 20
severity: CIN3+
case definition: Histological diagnosis in the first year of screening at age 20
20 years (unvaccinated women born 1988)
sex: female
vaccination status: unvaccinated
country: Scotland
setting: national screening programme
period: unvaccinated 1988 birth cohort screened at age 20
n: 138,692 women in the whole study
18-49y
0.59 (0.48–0.71)
prevalence (%)
per screened woman aged 20
cohortPalmer et al. 2019 BMJ
quote
Compared with unvaccinated women born in 1988, vaccinated women born in 1995 and 1996 showed an 89% reduction (95% confidence interval 81% to 94%) in prevalent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 3 or worse (from 0.59% (0.48% to 0.71%) to 0.06% (0.04% to 0.11%)), an 88% reduction (83% to 92%) in CIN grade 2 or worse (from 1.44% (1.28% to 1.63%) to 0.17% (0.12% to 0.24%)), and a 79% reduction (69% to 86%) in CIN grade 1 (from 0.69% (0.58% to 0.63%) to 0.15% (0.10% to 0.21%)).
abstract, RESULTS
Pre-vaccination reference cohort; the vaccinated 1995-96 cohorts in the same sentence had 0.06%.
Prevalent CIN2 or worse at age 20
severity: CIN2+
case definition: Histological diagnosis in the first year of screening at age 20
20 years (unvaccinated women born 1988)
sex: female
vaccination status: unvaccinated
country: Scotland
setting: national screening programme
period: unvaccinated 1988 birth cohort screened at age 20
18-49y
1.44 (1.28–1.63)
prevalence (%)
per screened woman aged 20
cohortPalmer et al. 2019 BMJ
quote
Compared with unvaccinated women born in 1988, vaccinated women born in 1995 and 1996 showed an 89% reduction (95% confidence interval 81% to 94%) in prevalent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 3 or worse (from 0.59% (0.48% to 0.71%) to 0.06% (0.04% to 0.11%)), an 88% reduction (83% to 92%) in CIN grade 2 or worse (from 1.44% (1.28% to 1.63%) to 0.17% (0.12% to 0.24%)), and a 79% reduction (69% to 86%) in CIN grade 1 (from 0.69% (0.58% to 0.63%) to 0.15% (0.10% to 0.21%)).
abstract, RESULTS
Pre-vaccination reference cohort.

Vaccine efficacy and effectiveness

Every estimate compiled, annotated by population (P), intervention (I), comparator (C), outcome (O) and study design (S).

Outcome (O)Population (P)Intervention / comparatorEstimateDesign (S)Source
CIN2+ associated with HPV16/18
severity: CIN2+
strain: HPV16/18
case definition: Histologically confirmed CIN2+ with HPV16/18 DNA in the lesion
15 to 26 years
sex: female
prior infection: hrHPV DNA negative at enrolment
country: multiple (RCTs)
12-17y18-49y
bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3 (participants with at least one immunisation)
vs placebo (adjuvant or control vaccine)
0.01 (0–0.05)
RR vs placebo
meta-analysis
GRADE: high
RCTs with 1.3 to 8 years follow-up
Arbyn et al. 2018 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
There is high-certainty evidence that vaccines lower CIN2+ from 164 to 2/10,000 (RR 0.01 (0 to 0.05)) and CIN3+ from 70 to 0/10,000 (RR 0.01 (0.00 to 0.10).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS (hrHPV negative)
Absolute risk 164 to 2 per 10,000. The hrHPV-negative population approximates girls vaccinated before sexual debut.
CIN3+ associated with HPV16/18
severity: CIN3+
strain: HPV16/18
case definition: Histologically confirmed CIN3+ with HPV16/18 DNA
15 to 26 years
sex: female
prior infection: hrHPV DNA negative at enrolment
country: multiple (RCTs)
12-17y18-49y
bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3 (at least one immunisation)
vs placebo (adjuvant or control vaccine)
0.01 (0.00–0.10)
RR vs placebo
meta-analysis
GRADE: high
Arbyn et al. 2018 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
There is high-certainty evidence that vaccines lower CIN2+ from 164 to 2/10,000 (RR 0.01 (0 to 0.05)) and CIN3+ from 70 to 0/10,000 (RR 0.01 (0.00 to 0.10).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS (hrHPV negative)
Absolute risk 70 to 0 per 10,000.
CIN2+ irrespective of HPV type
severity: CIN2+
strain: any HPV type
case definition: Any histologically confirmed CIN2+
15 to 26 years
sex: female
prior infection: hrHPV DNA negative at enrolment
country: multiple (RCTs)
12-17y18-49y
bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3 (at least one immunisation)
vs placebo (adjuvant or control vaccine)
0.37 (0.25–0.55)
RR vs placebo
meta-analysis
GRADE: high
Arbyn et al. 2018 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
There is moderate-certainty evidence that vaccines reduce the risk of AIS from 9 to 0/10,000 (RR 0.10 (0.01 to 0.82).HPV vaccines reduce the risk of any CIN2+ from 287 to 106/10,000 (RR 0.37 (0.25 to 0.55), high certainty) and probably reduce any AIS lesions from 10 to 0/10,000 (RR 0.1 (0.01 to 0.76), moderate certainty).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS (hrHPV negative)
Smaller effect than for HPV16/18 lesions because non-vaccine types cause part of all CIN2+.
CIN3+ irrespective of HPV type, bivalent vaccine
severity: CIN3+
strain: any HPV type
case definition: Any histologically confirmed CIN3+
15 to 26 years
sex: female
prior infection: hrHPV DNA negative at enrolment
country: multiple (RCTs)
12-17y18-49y
bivalent HPV vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 3 (at least one immunisation)
vs control vaccine
0.08 (0.03–0.23)
RR vs placebo
meta-analysis
GRADE: high
Arbyn et al. 2018 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
The size of reduction in CIN3+ with vaccines differed between bivalent and quadrivalent vaccines (bivalent: RR 0.08 (0.03 to 0.23), high certainty; quadrivalent: RR 0.54 (0.36 to 0.82), moderate certainty).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS (hrHPV negative)
The quadrivalent estimate for the same outcome is hpv-eff-005; the difference may reflect trial populations and cross-protection rather than product alone.
CIN3+ irrespective of HPV type, quadrivalent vaccine
severity: CIN3+
strain: any HPV type
case definition: Any histologically confirmed CIN3+
15 to 26 years
sex: female
prior infection: hrHPV DNA negative at enrolment
country: multiple (RCTs)
12-17y18-49y
quadrivalent HPV vaccine (Gardasil)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3 (at least one immunisation)
vs placebo
0.54 (0.36–0.82)
RR vs placebo
meta-analysis
GRADE: moderate
Arbyn et al. 2018 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
The size of reduction in CIN3+ with vaccines differed between bivalent and quadrivalent vaccines (bivalent: RR 0.08 (0.03 to 0.23), high certainty; quadrivalent: RR 0.54 (0.36 to 0.82), moderate certainty).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS (hrHPV negative)
Compare hpv-eff-004 (bivalent).
CIN2+ associated with HPV16/18
severity: CIN2+
strain: HPV16/18
case definition: Histologically confirmed CIN2+ with HPV16/18 DNA
15 to 26 years
sex: female
prior infection: HPV16/18 DNA negative at enrolment (other types allowed)
country: multiple (RCTs)
12-17y18-49y
bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3 (at least one immunisation)
vs placebo (adjuvant or control vaccine)
0.05 (0.03–0.10)
RR vs placebo
meta-analysisArbyn et al. 2018 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
Data in older women were not available for this comparison.HPV16/18 negativeIn those aged 15 to 26 years, vaccines reduce CIN2+ associated with HPV16/18 from 113 to 6 /10,000 (RR 0.05 (0.03 to 0.10).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS (HPV16/18 negative)
Absolute risk 113 to 6 per 10,000.
CIN2+ associated with HPV16/18
severity: CIN2+
strain: HPV16/18
case definition: Histologically confirmed CIN2+ with HPV16/18 DNA
24 years or older
sex: female
prior infection: HPV16/18 DNA negative at enrolment
country: multiple (RCTs)
18-49y
bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3 (at least one immunisation)
vs placebo (adjuvant or control vaccine)
0.30 (0.11–0.81)
RR vs placebo
meta-analysis
GRADE: moderate
Arbyn et al. 2018 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
In women 24 years or older the absolute and relative reduction in the risk of these lesions is smaller (from 45 to 14/10,000, (RR 0.30 (0.11 to 0.81), moderate certainty).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS (HPV16/18 negative)
Smaller absolute and relative reduction than in women 15-26 (hpv-eff-006).
CIN2+ associated with HPV16/18
severity: CIN2+
strain: HPV16/18
case definition: Histologically confirmed CIN2+ with HPV16/18 DNA
15 to 26 years
sex: female
prior infection: unselected for HPV DNA status (includes already-infected women)
country: multiple (RCTs)
12-17y18-49y
bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3 (at least one immunisation)
vs placebo (adjuvant or control vaccine)
0.46 (0.37–0.57)
RR vs placebo
meta-analysis
GRADE: high
Arbyn et al. 2018 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
No data are reported for more severe lesions.Regardless of HPV DNA statusIn younger women HPV vaccines reduce the risk of CIN2+ associated with HPV16/18 from 341 to 157/10,000 (RR 0.46 (0.37 to 0.57), high certainty).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS (regardless of HPV DNA status)
Approximates a catch-up population of sexually active young women; the vaccine does not treat existing infection.
CIN2+ irrespective of HPV type
severity: CIN2+
strain: any HPV type
case definition: Any histologically confirmed CIN2+
15 to 26 years
sex: female
prior infection: unselected for HPV DNA status
country: multiple (RCTs)
12-17y18-49y
bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3 (at least one immunisation)
vs placebo (adjuvant or control vaccine)
0.70 (0.58–0.85)
RR vs placebo
meta-analysis
GRADE: high
Arbyn et al. 2018 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
The number of women with AIS associated with HPV16/18 is reduced from 14 to 5/10,000 with HPV vaccines (high certainty).HPV vaccines reduce any CIN2+ from 559 to 391/10,000 (RR 0.70 (0.58 to 0.85, high certainty) and any AIS from 17 to 5/10,000 (RR 0.32 (0.15 to 0.67), high certainty).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS (regardless of HPV DNA status)
The most conservative trial-based estimate for young women: all lesions, all HPV types, no selection on baseline infection.
CIN3+ irrespective of HPV type, bivalent vaccine
severity: CIN3+
strain: any HPV type
case definition: Any histologically confirmed CIN3+
15 to 26 years
sex: female
prior infection: unselected for HPV DNA status
country: multiple (RCTs)
12-17y18-49y
bivalent HPV vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 3 (at least one immunisation)
vs control vaccine
0.55 (0.43–0.71)
RR vs placebo
meta-analysisArbyn et al. 2018 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
The reduction in any CIN3+ differed by vaccine type (bivalent vaccine: RR 0.55 (0.43 to 0.71) and quadrivalent vaccine: RR 0.81 (0.69 to 0.96)).In women vaccinated at 24 to 45 years of age, there is moderate-certainty evidence that the risks of CIN2+ associated with HPV16/18 and any CIN2+ are similar between vaccinated and unvaccinated women (RR 0.74 (0.52 to 1.05) and RR 1.04 (0.83 to 1.30) respectively).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS (regardless of HPV DNA status)
Quadrivalent estimate in the same sentence is hpv-eff-011.
CIN3+ irrespective of HPV type, quadrivalent vaccine
severity: CIN3+
strain: any HPV type
case definition: Any histologically confirmed CIN3+
15 to 26 years
sex: female
prior infection: unselected for HPV DNA status
country: multiple (RCTs)
12-17y18-49y
quadrivalent HPV vaccine (Gardasil)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3 (at least one immunisation)
vs placebo
0.81 (0.69–0.96)
RR vs placebo
meta-analysisArbyn et al. 2018 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
The reduction in any CIN3+ differed by vaccine type (bivalent vaccine: RR 0.55 (0.43 to 0.71) and quadrivalent vaccine: RR 0.81 (0.69 to 0.96)).In women vaccinated at 24 to 45 years of age, there is moderate-certainty evidence that the risks of CIN2+ associated with HPV16/18 and any CIN2+ are similar between vaccinated and unvaccinated women (RR 0.74 (0.52 to 1.05) and RR 1.04 (0.83 to 1.30) respectively).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS (regardless of HPV DNA status)
Modest reduction in an unselected catch-up-type population.
CIN2+ associated with HPV16/18
severity: CIN2+
strain: HPV16/18
case definition: Histologically confirmed CIN2+ with HPV16/18 DNA
24 to 45 years
sex: female
prior infection: unselected for HPV DNA status
country: multiple (RCTs)
18-49y
bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3 (at least one immunisation)
vs placebo (adjuvant or control vaccine)
0.74 (0.52–1.05)
RR vs placebo
meta-analysis
GRADE: moderate
Arbyn et al. 2018 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
The reduction in any CIN3+ differed by vaccine type (bivalent vaccine: RR 0.55 (0.43 to 0.71) and quadrivalent vaccine: RR 0.81 (0.69 to 0.96)).In women vaccinated at 24 to 45 years of age, there is moderate-certainty evidence that the risks of CIN2+ associated with HPV16/18 and any CIN2+ are similar between vaccinated and unvaccinated women (RR 0.74 (0.52 to 1.05) and RR 1.04 (0.83 to 1.30) respectively).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS (regardless of HPV DNA status)
Not statistically significant. Any-type CIN2+ in the same women: RR 1.04 (0.83 to 1.30), i.e. no demonstrable benefit in unselected adult women.
CIN2+ irrespective of HPV type
severity: CIN2+
strain: any HPV type
case definition: Any histologically confirmed CIN2+
24 to 45 years
sex: female
prior infection: unselected for HPV DNA status
country: multiple (RCTs)
18-49y
bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3 (at least one immunisation)
vs placebo (adjuvant or control vaccine)
1.04 (0.83–1.30)
RR vs placebo
meta-analysis
GRADE: moderate
Arbyn et al. 2018 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
The reduction in any CIN3+ differed by vaccine type (bivalent vaccine: RR 0.55 (0.43 to 0.71) and quadrivalent vaccine: RR 0.81 (0.69 to 0.96)).In women vaccinated at 24 to 45 years of age, there is moderate-certainty evidence that the risks of CIN2+ associated with HPV16/18 and any CIN2+ are similar between vaccinated and unvaccinated women (RR 0.74 (0.52 to 1.05) and RR 1.04 (0.83 to 1.30) respectively).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS (regardless of HPV DNA status)
Null result: in women 24-45 unselected for prior infection, any-type CIN2+ was similar between arms.
CIN2+ irrespective of HPV type
severity: CIN2+
strain: any HPV type
case definition: Histologically confirmed CIN2+ from clinical study reports, irrespective of baseline HPV status
15 to 25 years
sex: female
prior infection: irrespective of baseline HPV infection or serostatus
country: multiple (RCTs)
n: 60 studies, 157,414 participants in the review
12-17y18-49y
Cervarix, Gardasil, Gardasil-9, Cecolin (pairwise pooled)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
vs control (placebo or non-HPV vaccine)
0.70 (0.56–0.88)
RR vs control
follow-up: after six years
meta-analysis
GRADE: moderate
Bergman et al. 2025 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
In 15- to 25-year-old females, there was a reduction in CIN2+ irrespective of HPV type after six years (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.88) (moderate-certainty) and a larger reduction in CIN2+ from vaccine-matched HPV types after six years (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.54) (moderate-certainty).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS
Based primarily on clinical study reports rather than publications. Agrees with the 2018 review's unselected estimate (hpv-eff-009).
CIN2+ from vaccine-matched HPV types
severity: CIN2+
strain: vaccine-matched types
case definition: Histologically confirmed CIN2+ with vaccine-type HPV DNA
15 to 25 years
sex: female
prior infection: irrespective of baseline HPV infection or serostatus
country: multiple (RCTs)
12-17y18-49y
Cervarix, Gardasil, Gardasil-9, Cecolin (pairwise pooled)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
vs control (placebo or non-HPV vaccine)
0.40 (0.30–0.54)
RR vs control
follow-up: after six years
meta-analysis
GRADE: moderate
Bergman et al. 2025 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
In 15- to 25-year-old females, there was a reduction in CIN2+ irrespective of HPV type after six years (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.88) (moderate-certainty) and a larger reduction in CIN2+ from vaccine-matched HPV types after six years (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.54) (moderate-certainty).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS
In females over 25 the review found little to no difference versus control (moderate certainty).
Treatment for HPV-related pre-invasive disease
severity: treated precancer
case definition: Treatment procedures for pre-invasive disease in five RCTs
15 to 26 years (trial populations)
sex: female
country: multiple (five RCTs)
n: 38,606 participants
12-17y18-49y
HPV vaccines (all WHO-prequalified products pooled)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
vs control
0.76 (0.65–0.89)
RR vs control
follow-up: up to 84 months
meta-analysis
GRADE: moderate
Bergman et al. 2025 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
Treatment rates for HPV-related pre-invasive disease In pairwise analysis of five studies with 38,606 participants, there were 12 fewer people that needed to seek treatment per 1000 participants (95% CI 5 to 17 fewer per 1000) in the HPV vaccine groups compared with the control group rate at up to 84 months follow-up (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.89) (moderate-certainty).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS
12 fewer people treated per 1000 (5 to 17 fewer). Treatment of precancer carries obstetric risks, so this is a patient-relevant outcome.
CIN2+ among screened girls
severity: CIN2+
case definition: Histologically confirmed CIN2+ before vs after vaccination programmes
screened girls aged 15-19 years
sex: female
country: 14 high-income countries
setting: population-level programme evaluation
period: 5-9 years after vaccination introduction
12-17y
HPV vaccination programmes (bivalent or quadrivalent)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: programme (not reported per individual)
vs pre-vaccination period
0.49 (0.42–0.58)
RR post- vs pre-vaccination period
meta-analysisDrolet et al. 2019 Lancet
quote
After 5-9 years of vaccination, CIN2+ decreased significantly by 51% (RR 0·49, 95% CI 0·42-0·58) among screened girls aged 15-19 years and decreased significantly by 31% (RR 0·69, 95% CI 0·57-0·84) among women aged 20-24 years.
abstract, FINDINGS
Women 20-24: 31% decrease (RR 0.69, 0.57-0.84). Screening-policy changes over the same period can confound before-after comparisons.
CIN2/3, AIS or cervical cancer related to HPV-16 or HPV-18
severity: CIN2+
strain: HPV-16/18
case definition: Composite histological end point adjudicated by pathology panel
15 to 26 years
sex: female
prior infection: no virologic evidence of HPV-16/18 infection through month 7
country: multinational
n: 5305 vaccine and 5260 placebo (per-protocol)
12-17y18-49y
quadrivalent HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine (Gardasil)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
schedule: day 1, month 2, month 6
vs placebo
98 (86–100)
VE (%)
follow-up: average 3 years after first dose
RCTFUTURE 2007 N Engl J Med
quote
Vaccine efficacy for the prevention of the primary composite end point was 98% (95.89% confidence interval [CI], 86 to 100) in the per-protocol susceptible population and 44% (95% CI, 26 to 58) in an intention-to-treat population of all women who had undergone randomization (those with or without previous infection).
abstract, RESULTS
Interval is a 95.89% CI as printed. Per-protocol susceptible population: the best case for girls vaccinated before exposure.
CIN2/3, AIS or cervical cancer related to HPV-16 or HPV-18
severity: CIN2+
strain: HPV-16/18
case definition: Composite histological end point
15 to 26 years
sex: female
prior infection: all randomised women, with or without previous infection
country: multinational
n: 12,167 women randomised
12-17y18-49y
quadrivalent HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine (Gardasil)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
schedule: day 1, month 2, month 6
vs placebo
44 (26–58)
VE (%)
follow-up: average 3 years after first dose
RCTFUTURE 2007 N Engl J Med
quote
Vaccine efficacy for the prevention of the primary composite end point was 98% (95.89% confidence interval [CI], 86 to 100) in the per-protocol susceptible population and 44% (95% CI, 26 to 58) in an intention-to-treat population of all women who had undergone randomization (those with or without previous infection).
abstract, RESULTS
Intention-to-treat including women already infected at enrolment: the catch-up scenario.
All high-grade cervical lesions regardless of HPV type
severity: CIN2+
strain: any HPV type
case definition: CIN2/3, AIS or cancer of any HPV type
15 to 26 years
sex: female
prior infection: all randomised women
country: multinational
12-17y18-49y
quadrivalent HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine (Gardasil)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
vs placebo
17 (1–31)
VE (%)
follow-up: average 3 years
RCTFUTURE 2007 N Engl J Med
quote
The estimated vaccine efficacy against all high-grade cervical lesions, regardless of causal HPV type, in this intention-to-treat population was 17% (95% CI, 1 to 31).
abstract, RESULTS
Lowest estimate from the trial: all lesion types, all women. Barely significant at 3 years.
CIN3+ associated with HPV-16/18
severity: CIN3+
strain: HPV-16/18
case definition: Histologically confirmed CIN3+ with HPV-16/18 DNA
15 to 25 years
sex: female
prior infection: no evidence of oncogenic HPV infection at baseline (TVC-naive)
country: multinational
n: 5824 vaccine, 5820 control
12-17y18-49y
HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted bivalent vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 3
vs hepatitis A control vaccine
100 (85.5–100)
VE (%)
follow-up: 4-year end-of-study
RCTLehtinen et al. 2012 Lancet Oncol
quote
FINDINGS: Vaccine efficacy against CIN3+ associated with HPV-16/18 was 100% (95% CI 85·5-100) in the TVC-naive and 45·7% (22·9-62·2) in the TVC.
abstract, FINDINGS
TVC-naive approximates early adolescents before sexual debut.
CIN3+ associated with HPV-16/18
severity: CIN3+
strain: HPV-16/18
case definition: Histologically confirmed CIN3+ with HPV-16/18 DNA
15 to 25 years
sex: female
prior infection: all women who received at least one dose, irrespective of baseline HPV status (TVC)
country: multinational
n: 9319 vaccine, 9325 control
12-17y18-49y
HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted bivalent vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 3
vs hepatitis A control vaccine
45.7 (22.9–62.2)
VE (%)
follow-up: 4-year end-of-study
RCTLehtinen et al. 2012 Lancet Oncol
quote
FINDINGS: Vaccine efficacy against CIN3+ associated with HPV-16/18 was 100% (95% CI 85·5-100) in the TVC-naive and 45·7% (22·9-62·2) in the TVC.
abstract, FINDINGS
TVC approximates catch-up populations including sexually active women.
All CIN3+ irrespective of HPV type
severity: CIN3+
strain: any HPV type
case definition: Histologically confirmed CIN3+ irrespective of HPV DNA, including lesions with no HPV detected
15 to 25 years
sex: female
prior infection: TVC-naive (no oncogenic HPV at baseline)
country: multinational
12-17y18-49y
HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted bivalent vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 3
vs hepatitis A control vaccine
93.2 (78.9–98.7)
VE (%)
follow-up: 4-year end-of-study
RCTLehtinen et al. 2012 Lancet Oncol
quote
Vaccine efficacy against all CIN3+ (irrespective of HPV type in the lesion and including lesions with no HPV DNA detected) was 93·2% (78·9-98·7) in the TVC-naive and 45·6% (28·8-58·7) in the TVC.
abstract, FINDINGS
Efficacy against all CIN3+ was higher than 90% in all age groups of the TVC-naive.
All CIN3+ irrespective of HPV type
severity: CIN3+
strain: any HPV type
case definition: Histologically confirmed CIN3+ irrespective of HPV DNA
15 to 25 years
sex: female
prior infection: TVC (all vaccinated, irrespective of baseline status)
country: multinational
12-17y18-49y
HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted bivalent vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 3
vs hepatitis A control vaccine
45.6 (28.8–58.7)
VE (%)
follow-up: 4-year end-of-study
RCTLehtinen et al. 2012 Lancet Oncol
quote
Vaccine efficacy against all CIN3+ (irrespective of HPV type in the lesion and including lesions with no HPV DNA detected) was 93·2% (78·9-98·7) in the TVC-naive and 45·6% (28·8-58·7) in the TVC.
abstract, FINDINGS
In the TVC, efficacy was highest at 15-17 years and decreased progressively in the 18-20 and 21-25 year groups.
CIN3+ irrespective of HPV DNA
severity: CIN3+
strain: any HPV type
case definition: Histologically confirmed CIN3+ irrespective of HPV DNA
15 to 17 years
sex: female
prior infection: TVC (all vaccinated, irrespective of baseline status)
country: multinational
12-17y
HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted bivalent vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 3
vs hepatitis A control vaccine
55.8 (19.2–76.9)
VE (%)
follow-up: mean approximately 39 months
RCTApter et al. 2015 Clin Vaccine Immunol
quote
VE against CIN1+, CIN2+, and CIN3+ irrespective of HPV DNA was 21.7% (10.7, 31.4), 30.4% (16.4, 42.1), and 33.4% (9.1, 51.5) and was consistently significant only in 15- to 17-year-old women (27.4% [10.8, 40.9], 41.8% [22.3, 56.7], and 55.8% [19.2, 76.9]).
abstract
The youngest age band of the unselected cohort; the whole-TVC estimate was 33.4% (9.1-51.5). Supports catch-up vaccination up to 18.
CIN2+ associated with 12 non-vaccine oncogenic HPV types (composite)
severity: CIN2+
strain: 12 non-vaccine oncogenic types
case definition: CIN2+ with any of HPV 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, with or without HPV-16/18 co-infection
15 to 25 years
sex: female
prior infection: TVC-naive
country: multinational
12-17y18-49y
HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted bivalent vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 3
vs hepatitis A control vaccine
56.2 (37.2–69.9)
VE (%)
follow-up: 4-year end-of-study
RCTWheeler et al. 2012 Lancet Oncol
quote
Vaccine efficacy against CIN2+ associated with the composite of 12 non-vaccine HPV types (31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68), with or without HPV-16/18 co-infection, was 46·8% (95% CI 30·7-59·4) in the ATP-E, 56·2% (37·2-69·9) in the TVC-naive, and 34·2% (20·4-45·8) in the TVC.
abstract, FINDINGS
Includes lesions co-infected with HPV-16/18, so part of this is not true cross-protection; the most conservative analysis found efficacy for HPV-33 in all cohorts and HPV-31 in the naive cohorts.
CIN3+ associated with 12 non-vaccine oncogenic HPV types (composite)
severity: CIN3+
strain: 12 non-vaccine oncogenic types
case definition: CIN3+ with any of 12 non-vaccine oncogenic types, with or without HPV-16/18 co-infection
15 to 25 years
sex: female
prior infection: TVC-naive
country: multinational
12-17y18-49y
HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted bivalent vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 3
vs hepatitis A control vaccine
91.4 (65.0–99.0)
VE (%)
follow-up: 4-year end-of-study
RCTWheeler et al. 2012 Lancet Oncol
quote
Corresponding values for CIN3+ were 73·8% (48·3-87·9), 91·4% (65·0-99·0), and 47·5% (22·8-64·8).
abstract, FINDINGS
ATP-E 73.8% and TVC 47.5% in the same sentence. Co-infection with HPV-16/18 inflates these composites.
CIN2+ associated with 12 non-vaccine oncogenic HPV types (composite)
severity: CIN2+
strain: 12 non-vaccine oncogenic types
case definition: CIN2+ with any of 12 non-vaccine oncogenic types, with or without HPV-16/18 co-infection
15 to 25 years
sex: female
prior infection: TVC (all vaccinated)
country: multinational
12-17y18-49y
HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted bivalent vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 3
vs hepatitis A control vaccine
34.2 (20.4–45.8)
VE (%)
follow-up: 4-year end-of-study
RCTWheeler et al. 2012 Lancet Oncol
quote
Vaccine efficacy against CIN2+ associated with the composite of 12 non-vaccine HPV types (31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68), with or without HPV-16/18 co-infection, was 46·8% (95% CI 30·7-59·4) in the ATP-E, 56·2% (37·2-69·9) in the TVC-naive, and 34·2% (20·4-45·8) in the TVC.
abstract, FINDINGS
Cross-protection in the unselected cohort.
High-grade cervical, vulvar or vaginal disease related to HPV-31, 33, 45, 52 and 58
severity: high-grade disease
strain: HPV-31/33/45/52/58
case definition: CIN2/3, VIN2/3, VaIN2/3, AIS or cancer with the five additional 9v types
16 to 26 years
sex: female
prior infection: per-protocol susceptible population
country: international
n: 14,215 women randomised
12-17y18-49y
9-valent HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
schedule: day 1, month 2, month 6
vs quadrivalent HPV vaccine (active comparator)
96.7 (80.9–99.8)
VE (%) vs quadrivalent vaccine
RCTJoura et al. 2015 N Engl J Med
quote
The rate of high-grade cervical, vulvar, or vaginal disease related to HPV-31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 in a prespecified per-protocol efficacy population (susceptible population) was 0.1 per 1000 person-years in the 9vHPV group and 1.6 per 1000 person-years in the qHPV group (efficacy of the 9vHPV vaccine, 96.7%; 95% confidence interval, 80.9 to 99.8).
abstract, RESULTS
Rates 0.1 vs 1.6 per 1000 person-years. Comparator is 4vHPV, not placebo, so this is the incremental benefit of the five extra types; all-type high-grade disease in the mITT population was 14.0 per 1000 person-years in both groups.
CIN1+ irrespective of HPV type
severity: CIN1+
strain: any HPV type
case definition: Any histologically confirmed CIN1+
older than 25 years
sex: female
prior infection: total vaccinated cohort (up to 15% with prior HPV history)
country: multinational
n: 5747 women in total vaccinated cohort
18-49y50-64y
HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted bivalent vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 3
vs aluminium hydroxide control
22.9 (4.8–37.7)
VE (%)
follow-up: 7 years
RCTWheeler et al. 2016 Lancet Infect Dis
quote
In the total vaccinated cohort, vaccine efficacy against CIN1+ irrespective of HPV was significant (22·9%, 96·2% CI 4·8-37·7).
abstract, FINDINGS
96.2% CI as printed. Modest all-type benefit in adult women unselected by baseline status.
High-grade cervical, vulvar or vaginal lesions associated with HPV 16/18
severity: high-grade lesion
strain: HPV 16/18
case definition: Histologically confirmed CIN2+/VIN2+/VaIN2+ with HPV 16/18
adult women (phase III trial cohort)
sex: female
prior infection: per-protocol population
country: China
n: 1648 women in extension (806 vaccine, 842 control)
18-49y
E. coli-produced HPV-16/18 bivalent vaccine (Cecolin)
platform: E. coli-expressed L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
vs hepatitis E control vaccine
87.5 (6.4–99.7)
VE (%)
follow-up: median 10.2 years
RCTZhao et al. 2025 Lancet Reg Health West Pac
quote
Over a median 10.2-year follow-up, vaccine efficacy was 87.5% (95% CI 6.4-99.7) against high-grade cervical, vulvar or vaginal lesions (1 case in the vaccine group and 8 cases in the control group, P = 0.0391), and 97.0% (95% CI 78.9-100.0) against persistent infection (over 6 months, 1 case in the vaccine group and 32 cases in the control group, P < 0.0001) in the per-protocol population.
abstract, FINDINGS
1 vs 8 cases; wide interval. Cecolin is the WHO-prequalified low-cost product used in several LMIC programmes.
CIN2+ (histologically confirmed)
severity: CIN2+
strain: any HPV type
case definition: Histologically confirmed CIN2+ from nationwide registers
vaccination initiated before age 17
sex: female
country: Sweden
setting: nationwide register cohort
period: 2006-2013
n: 1,333,691 girls and women in the cohort
12-17y18-49y
quadrivalent HPV vaccine
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: fully vaccinated (3 doses)
vs unvaccinated
0.36 (0.27–0.47)
IRR vs unvaccinated (VE 64%)
cohortHerweijer et al. 2016 Int J Cancer
quote
Effectiveness against CIN2+ was 64% (IRR = 0.36, 95%CI = 0.27–0.47) for those initiating vaccination before age 17, and 25% (IRR = 0.75, 95%CI = 0.66–0.86) and 14% (IRR = 0.86, 95%CI = 0.73–1.01) for those initiating vaccination at ages 17–19, and at ages 20–29, respectively.
abstract
Adjusted for attained age and parental education only; healthy-vaccinee bias possible. VE printed as 64%.
CIN2+ (histologically confirmed)
severity: CIN2+
strain: any HPV type
case definition: Histologically confirmed CIN2+ from nationwide registers
vaccination initiated at 17-19 years
sex: female
country: Sweden
setting: nationwide register cohort
period: 2006-2013
12-17y18-49y
quadrivalent HPV vaccine
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: fully vaccinated (3 doses)
vs unvaccinated
0.75 (0.66–0.86)
IRR vs unvaccinated (VE 25%)
cohortHerweijer et al. 2016 Int J Cancer
quote
Effectiveness against CIN2+ was 64% (IRR = 0.36, 95%CI = 0.27–0.47) for those initiating vaccination before age 17, and 25% (IRR = 0.75, 95%CI = 0.66–0.86) and 14% (IRR = 0.86, 95%CI = 0.73–1.01) for those initiating vaccination at ages 17–19, and at ages 20–29, respectively.
abstract
Effectiveness falls steeply with later age at vaccination (compare hpv-eff-033 and 035).
CIN2+ (histologically confirmed)
severity: CIN2+
strain: any HPV type
case definition: Histologically confirmed CIN2+ from nationwide registers
vaccination initiated at 20-29 years
sex: female
country: Sweden
setting: nationwide register cohort
period: 2006-2013
18-49y
quadrivalent HPV vaccine
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: fully vaccinated (3 doses)
vs unvaccinated
0.86 (0.73–1.01)
IRR vs unvaccinated (VE 14%)
cohortHerweijer et al. 2016 Int J Cancer
quote
Effectiveness against CIN2+ was 64% (IRR = 0.36, 95%CI = 0.27–0.47) for those initiating vaccination before age 17, and 25% (IRR = 0.75, 95%CI = 0.66–0.86) and 14% (IRR = 0.86, 95%CI = 0.73–1.01) for those initiating vaccination at ages 17–19, and at ages 20–29, respectively.
abstract
Not statistically significant: little measurable benefit when vaccination starts at 20-29.
HPV16/18-related high-grade cervical dysplasia (CIN2+, AIS, cancer)
severity: CIN2+
strain: HPV16/18
case definition: Histopathology-adjudicated HPV16/18-related CIN2+ identified through national registries and biobanks
16 to 23 years at vaccination
sex: female
country: Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden
period: 14 years after FUTURE II enrolment
n: 2121 women, 24,099 person-years
12-17y18-49y
quadrivalent HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine (Gardasil)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
vs recent historical background incidence in an unvaccinated population
100 (94.7–100)
VE (%) vs historical background incidence
follow-up: at least 12 years, trend through 14 years
cohortKjaer et al. 2020 EClinicalMedicine
quote
Vaccine effectiveness of 100% (95% CI 94·7-100) was demonstrated for ≥12 years, with a trend toward continued protection through 14 years post-vaccination.
abstract, FINDINGS
No concurrent control: compares observed with expected historical incidence. No breakthrough cases; no evidence of waning, so no booster indicated within 14 years.
CIN3 (grade 3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia)
severity: CIN3
case definition: CIN3 registrations in women aged 20 to under 30, population-based registry
offered vaccine at 12-13 years
sex: female
country: England
setting: national programme, register-based
period: cohorts offered vaccine from 2008; outcomes to June 2019
18-49y
bivalent HPV vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: programme (3-dose schedule offered)
vs earlier birth cohorts not eligible for vaccination
97 (96–98)
relative reduction in CIN3 rate (%) vs unvaccinated cohorts
cohortFalcaro et al. 2021 Lancet
quote
The corresponding risk reductions for CIN3 were 39% (95% CI 36-41) for those offered at age 16-18 years, 75% (72-77) for age 14-16 years, and 97% (96-98) for age 12-13 years.
abstract, FINDINGS
CIN3 reductions for the 14-16 and 16-18 catch-up cohorts were 75% and 39% in the same sentence. 17 235 fewer CIN3 cases than expected.
Prevalent CIN3 or worse at age 20
severity: CIN3+
case definition: Histological diagnosis in the first year of screening at age 20
vaccinated at 12-13 years, screened at 20
sex: female
country: Scotland
setting: national screening programme
period: women born 1995-1996 vs unvaccinated born 1988
n: 138 692 women
18-49y
bivalent HPV vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 3 (routine schedule)
vs unvaccinated women born 1988
89 (81–94)
relative reduction in prevalence (%)
cohortPalmer et al. 2019 BMJ
quote
Compared with unvaccinated women born in 1988, vaccinated women born in 1995 and 1996 showed an 89% reduction (95% confidence interval 81% to 94%) in prevalent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 3 or worse (from 0.59% (0.48% to 0.71%) to 0.06% (0.04% to 0.11%)), an 88% reduction (83% to 92%) in CIN grade 2 or worse (from 1.44% (1.28% to 1.63%) to 0.17% (0.12% to 0.24%)), and a 79% reduction (69% to 86%) in CIN grade 1 (from 0.69% (0.58% to 0.63%) to 0.15% (0.10% to 0.21%)).
abstract, RESULTS
Prevalence fell from 0.59% to 0.06% (hpv-bur-007). CIN2+ fell 88% (83% to 92%). Birth-cohort comparison across calendar time.
Prevalent CIN3 or worse at age 20
severity: CIN3+
case definition: Histological diagnosis in the first year of screening at age 20
vaccinated at age 17
sex: female
country: Scotland
setting: national screening programme
12-17y
bivalent HPV vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 3 (catch-up)
vs unvaccinated women
51 (28–66)
VE (%)
cohortPalmer et al. 2019 BMJ
quote
Younger age at immunisation was associated with increasing vaccine effectiveness: 86% (75% to 92%) for CIN grade 3 or worse for women vaccinated at age 12-13 compared with 51% (28% to 66%) for women vaccinated at age 17.
abstract, RESULTS
Versus 86% (75% to 92%) for women vaccinated at 12-13 in the same sentence: younger age at immunisation gives higher effectiveness. Herd protection was seen in unvaccinated girls of the 1995-96 cohorts.
CIN3+ (histologically confirmed)
severity: CIN3+
case definition: CIN3+ diagnoses from Danish nationwide registries
vaccinated at 16 years or younger; outcomes at 17-25
sex: female
country: Denmark
setting: nationwide register cohort
period: 2006-2016
n: 590 083 women; 5561 CIN3+
12-17y18-49y
quadrivalent HPV vaccine
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 1
vs unvaccinated women
0.38 (.14–.98)
IRR vs unvaccinated
cohortVerdoodt et al. 2020 Clin Infect Dis
quote
We found considerable vaccine effectiveness against CIN3+ after 1 (IRR, 0.38 [95% CI, .14-.98]), 2 (IRR, 0.38 [95% CI, .22-.66]), or 3 (IRR, 0.37 [95% CI, .30-.45]) vaccine doses, compared to unvaccinated women.
abstract, RESULTS
One dose gave a point estimate identical to two doses (0.38, .22-.66) and three doses (0.37, .30-.45), but with a wide interval. Register cohort; one-dose recipients may differ in healthcare-seeking.
CIN3+ (histologically confirmed)
severity: CIN3+
case definition: CIN3+ diagnoses from Danish nationwide registries
vaccinated at 16 years or younger; outcomes at 17-25
sex: female
country: Denmark
setting: nationwide register cohort
period: 2006-2016
12-17y18-49y
quadrivalent HPV vaccine
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
vs unvaccinated women
0.37 (.30–.45)
IRR vs unvaccinated
cohortVerdoodt et al. 2020 Clin Infect Dis
quote
We found considerable vaccine effectiveness against CIN3+ after 1 (IRR, 0.38 [95% CI, .14-.98]), 2 (IRR, 0.38 [95% CI, .22-.66]), or 3 (IRR, 0.37 [95% CI, .30-.45]) vaccine doses, compared to unvaccinated women.
abstract, RESULTS
Reference for hpv-eff-079. VE equivalent 63% against all-type CIN3+ in a population vaccinated at 16 or younger.

Vaccine safety and adverse events

Harms measured after vaccination against an unvaccinated or baseline comparator. Kept separate from post-acute sequelae, which follow the disease, not the vaccine.

Outcome (O)Population (P)Intervention / comparatorEstimateDesign (S)Source
Serious adverse events
severity: serious
case definition: Serious adverse events reported in RCTs over 6 months to 7 years
women of all ages in the trials (15 to 45+)
sex: female
country: multiple (RCTs)
12-17y18-49y50-64y
bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
vs placebo or control vaccine (adjuvant-containing)
0.98 (0.92–1.05)
RR vs control
meta-analysis
GRADE: high
Arbyn et al. 2018 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
No data are reported in this age group for CIN3+ or AIS.Adverse effectsThe risk of serious adverse events is similar between control and HPV vaccines in women of all ages (669 versus 656/10,000, RR 0.98 (0.92 to 1.05), high certainty).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS (Adverse effects)
669 vs 656 per 10,000. Comparators were often adjuvant or other vaccines, not saline, so adjuvant-related events are not isolated.
Death from any cause
severity: death
case definition: Deaths reported in RCTs and trial registries
women of all ages in the trials; excess concentrated in women older than 25
sex: female
country: multiple (RCTs)
12-17y18-49y50-64y
bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
vs placebo or control vaccine
1.29 (0.85–1.98)
RR vs control
meta-analysis
GRADE: low
Arbyn et al. 2018 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
Mortality was 11/10,000 in control groups compared with 14/10,000 (9 to 22) with HPV vaccine (RR 1.29 [0.85 to 1.98]; low certainty).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS (Adverse effects)
Not statistically significant; low certainty. More deaths among vaccinated women over 25; the review states no pattern in cause or timing was established and the deaths were judged unrelated to the vaccine. See file-level flag.
Miscarriage among women who became pregnant during the trials
severity: pregnancy loss
case definition: Miscarriage reported in RCT pregnancy follow-up
women of reproductive age in the trials
sex: female
pregnancy: became pregnant during the studies
country: multiple (RCTs)
12-17y18-49y
bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
vs placebo or control vaccine
0.88 (0.68–1.14)
RR vs control
meta-analysis
GRADE: high
Arbyn et al. 2018 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
No pattern in the cause or timing of death has been established.Pregnancy outcomesAmong those who became pregnant during the studies, we did not find an increased risk of miscarriage (1618 versus 1424/10,000, RR 0.88 (0.68 to 1.14), high certainty) or termination (931 versus 838/10,000 RR 0.90 (0.80 to 1.02), high certainty).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS (Pregnancy outcomes)
Termination RR 0.90 (0.80 to 1.02) in the same sentence. Vaccine is not recommended in pregnancy; these are inadvertent exposures.
Congenital abnormalities in pregnancies during the trials
severity: congenital abnormality
case definition: Congenital abnormalities reported in RCT pregnancy follow-up
women of reproductive age in the trials
sex: female
pregnancy: became pregnant during the studies
country: multiple (RCTs)
12-17y18-49y
bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
vs placebo or control vaccine
1.22 (0.88–1.69)
RR vs control
meta-analysis
GRADE: moderate
Arbyn et al. 2018 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
The effects on congenital abnormalities and stillbirths are uncertain (RR 1.22 (0.88 to 1.69), moderate certainty and (RR 1.12 (0.68 to 1.83), moderate certainty, respectively).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS (Pregnancy outcomes)
Uncertain; stillbirth RR 1.12 (0.68 to 1.83) in the same sentence. The review says adverse pregnancy outcomes cannot be excluded.
Serious adverse events
severity: serious
case definition: Serious adverse events in 39 RCTs, mostly from clinical study reports
females and males in trial populations (mostly 15 to 45)
country: multiple (RCTs)
n: 97,272 participants
12-17y18-49y50-64y
Cervarix, Gardasil, Gardasil-9, Cecolin
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
vs control (placebo or non-HPV vaccine)
0.99 (0.94–1.04)
RR vs control
follow-up: up to 72 months
meta-analysis
GRADE: high
Bergman et al. 2025 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
Serious adverse events In a pairwise analysis of serious adverse events in 39 studies across all vaccine types with 97,272 participants, there was little to no difference in the HPV vaccine groups compared with the control group at up to 72 months follow-up (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.04) (high-certainty).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS (Serious adverse events)
Updated 2025 Cochrane estimate consistent with the 2018 review (hpv-saf-001).

Cervical cancer Human papillomavirus (HPV16/18 predominantly)

Disease risks

Acute risks of the infection itself: complications, hospitalisation, ICU, death.

Outcome (O)Population (P)ComparatorEstimateDesign (S)Source
Invasive cervical cancer incidence
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: Cervical cancer incidence by HIV status in included studies
adult women
sex: female
immune status: HIV-positive
vaccination status: not reported
country: multiple
18-49y50-64y
vs HIV-negative women4.1 (2.3–6.6)
RR vs HIV-negative women
per woman
meta-analysisLiu et al. 2018 AIDS
quote
Cervical cancer incidence was associated with HIV positivity (RR 4.1, 95% CI 2.3-6.6), but not with ART.
abstract, RESULTS
Not associated with ART in this analysis. Differences in screening access between HIV-positive and HIV-negative women may confound.
5-year overall survival after invasive cervical cancer
severity: death
case definition: SEER 17 registry patients with primary invasive cervical cancer
all ages at diagnosis
sex: female
vaccination status: mixed
country: United States
period: diagnosed 2016 (trend from 2000)
All ages
66.4
5-year overall survival (%)
per diagnosed case
cohortWang et al. 2026 J Gynecol Oncol
quote
Unadjusted OS declined slightly over the study period (hazard ratio [HR]=1.010; p<0.001), with 5-year OS decreasing from 70.3% in 2000 to 66.4% in 2016.
abstract, RESULTS
Unadjusted survival fell because of a shift to later stage and older age at diagnosis; after adjustment for age and stage survival improved. Roughly one in three women diagnosed dies within five years.
Cervical cancer incidence (age-standardised)
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: GLOBOCAN 2020 registry-based estimates
all ages (age-standardised)
sex: female
vaccination status: mixed
country: global (185 countries)
period: 2020
All ages
13.3 (13.3–13.3)
age-standardised incidence per 100,000 women-years
per 100,000 women-years
surveillanceSingh et al. 2023 Lancet Glob Health
quote
FINDINGS: Globally in 2020, there were an estimated 604 127 cervical cancer cases and 341 831 deaths, with a corresponding age-standardised incidence of 13·3 cases per 100 000 women-years (95% CI 13·3-13·3) and mortality rate of 7·2 deaths per 100 000 women-years (95% CI 7·2-7·3).
abstract, FINDINGS
Modelled GLOBOCAN estimate; 604 127 cases in the same sentence. Vaccinated cohorts were still mostly below cancer-bearing ages in 2020, so this is essentially a pre-vaccine-impact figure.
Cervical cancer mortality (age-standardised)
severity: death
case definition: GLOBOCAN 2020 estimates from vital registration
all ages (age-standardised)
sex: female
vaccination status: mixed
country: global
period: 2020
All ages
7.2 (7.2–7.3)
age-standardised mortality per 100,000 women-years
per 100,000 women-years
surveillanceSingh et al. 2023 Lancet Glob Health
quote
FINDINGS: Globally in 2020, there were an estimated 604 127 cervical cancer cases and 341 831 deaths, with a corresponding age-standardised incidence of 13·3 cases per 100 000 women-years (95% CI 13·3-13·3) and mortality rate of 7·2 deaths per 100 000 women-years (95% CI 7·2-7·3).
abstract, FINDINGS
341 831 deaths in 2020 in the same sentence.
Cervical cancer incidence (age-standardised), highest country
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: GLOBOCAN 2020 estimates
all ages (age-standardised)
sex: female
vaccination status: mixed
country: Eswatini
period: 2020
All ages
84.6 (74.8–94.3)
age-standardised incidence per 100,000 women-years
per 100,000 women-years
surveillanceSingh et al. 2023 Lancet Glob Health
quote
Cervical cancer incidence ranged from 2·2 (1·9-2·4) in Iraq to 84·6 (74·8-94·3) in Eswatini.
abstract, FINDINGS
Highest national rate; Iraq (2.2) is the lowest in the same sentence. Incidence was three times higher in low-HDI than very-high-HDI countries.
Cervical cancer mortality (age-standardised), lowest country
severity: death
case definition: GLOBOCAN 2020 estimates
all ages (age-standardised)
sex: female
vaccination status: mixed
country: Switzerland
setting: high-income, organised screening
period: 2020
All ages
1.0 (0.8–1.2)
age-standardised mortality per 100,000 women-years
per 100,000 women-years
surveillanceSingh et al. 2023 Lancet Glob Health
quote
Mortality rates ranged from 1·0 (0·8-1·2) in Switzerland to 55·7 (47·7-63·7) in Eswatini.
abstract, FINDINGS
Lowest national mortality; Eswatini (55.7) is the highest in the same sentence. Mortality was six times higher in low-HDI than very-high-HDI countries.
Cervical cancer mortality (age-standardised), highest country
severity: death
case definition: GLOBOCAN 2020 estimates
all ages (age-standardised)
sex: female
vaccination status: mixed
country: Eswatini
setting: low-income, limited screening
period: 2020
All ages
55.7 (47.7–63.7)
age-standardised mortality per 100,000 women-years
per 100,000 women-years
surveillanceSingh et al. 2023 Lancet Glob Health
quote
Mortality rates ranged from 1·0 (0·8-1·2) in Switzerland to 55·7 (47·7-63·7) in Eswatini.
abstract, FINDINGS
Highest national mortality in the GLOBOCAN 2020 analysis.
Cervical cancer cases worldwide
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates
all ages
sex: female
vaccination status: mixed
country: global
period: 2022
All ages
662,301
number of new cases per year
per world female population per year
surveillanceLi et al. 2025 Int J Cancer
quote
Globally, an estimated 662,301 new cervical cancer cases and 348,874 deaths occurred in 2022.
abstract
348,874 deaths in the same sentence. Low-HDI countries had two times the incidence and five times the mortality of very-high-HDI countries.
Cervical cancers attributable to 9vHPV vaccine types
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: Registry cervical cancers multiplied by the fraction attributable to 9vHPV types
all ages
sex: female
vaccination status: mixed
country: United States
period: 2012-2016
All ages
9,700
estimated number of cancers attributable to 9vHPV types per year
per US female population per year
surveillanceSenkomago et al. 2019 MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
quote
The most common were cervical (9,700) and oropharyngeal cancers (12,600).
abstract
Of 32,100 cancers per year attributable to 9vHPV types, cervical was the second most common site after oropharynx.

Post-acute and long-term sequelae

What can follow the acute illness: chronic disease, disability, cancers, congenital syndromes, post-infectious conditions.

Outcome (O)Population (P)ComparatorEstimateDesign (S)Source
Share of cervical cancers caused by HPV types 16 and 18
severity: invasive cancer
strain: HPV16/18
case definition: CDC Pink Book summary of type-attribution studies
all ages
sex: female
vaccination status: mixed
country: worldwide
All ages
vs cervical cancers caused by other types66
proportion of cervical cancers (%)
per cervical cancer
expert bodycdc.gov
quote
Type 16 is the cause of approximately 50% of cervical cancers worldwide, and types 16 and 18 together account for about 66% of cervical cancers.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) section
Type 16 alone causes approximately 50%; types 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 another 15% (same passage).
Invasive cervical or vaginal-vault cancer after untreated CIN3
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: Histologically reviewed CIN3 managed only by punch or wedge biopsy, linked to cancer and death registers
women diagnosed with CIN3 in 1955-76 (adult)
sex: female
prior infection: CIN3 diagnosed, treatment withheld
vaccination status: unvaccinated
country: New Zealand
setting: hospital (National Women's Hospital, Auckland)
period: diagnosed 1955-1976, followed to 2000
n: 143 women
18-49y50-64y
vs women whose initial CIN3 treatment was adequate (0.7% at 30 years)31.3 (22.7–42.3)
cumulative incidence (%) at 30 years
per woman with untreated CIN3
follow-up: 30 years
cohortMcCredie et al. 2008 Lancet Oncol
quote
In 143 women managed only by punch or wedge biopsy, cumulative incidence of invasive cancer of the cervix or vaginal vault was 31.3% (95% CI 22.7-42.3) at 30 years, and 50.3% (37.3-64.9) in the subset of 92 such women who had persistent disease within 24 months.
abstract, FINDINGS
The only direct estimate of CIN3 progression, from an unethical study in which treatment was withheld. Pre-vaccine, pre-HPV-testing era; ascertainment of lesion completeness is retrospective.
Invasive cervical or vaginal-vault cancer after untreated CIN3 with persistent disease at 24 months
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: Untreated CIN3 with persistent disease within 24 months of diagnosis
women diagnosed with CIN3 in 1955-76 (adult)
sex: female
prior infection: persistent CIN3 within 24 months
vaccination status: unvaccinated
country: New Zealand
setting: hospital
period: diagnosed 1955-1976, followed to 2000
n: 92 women
18-49y50-64y
vs women whose initial CIN3 treatment was adequate50.3 (37.3–64.9)
cumulative incidence (%) at 30 years
per woman with persistent untreated CIN3
follow-up: 30 years
cohortMcCredie et al. 2008 Lancet Oncol
quote
In 143 women managed only by punch or wedge biopsy, cumulative incidence of invasive cancer of the cervix or vaginal vault was 31.3% (95% CI 22.7-42.3) at 30 years, and 50.3% (37.3-64.9) in the subset of 92 such women who had persistent disease within 24 months.
abstract, FINDINGS
Subset of hpv-pa-001 selected on persistence, so higher by construction.
Invasive cervical or vaginal-vault cancer after adequately treated CIN3
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: CIN3 whose initial treatment was deemed adequate or probably adequate with conventional management of recurrence
women diagnosed with CIN3 in 1955-76 (adult)
sex: female
prior infection: CIN3, adequately treated
vaccination status: unvaccinated
country: New Zealand
setting: hospital
period: diagnosed 1955-1976, followed to 2000
n: 593 women
18-49y50-64y
vs women with untreated CIN3 (31.3%)0.7 (0.3–1.9)
cumulative incidence (%) at 30 years
per woman with treated CIN3
follow-up: 30 years
cohortMcCredie et al. 2008 Lancet Oncol
quote
However, cancer risk at 30 years was only 0.7% (0.3-1.9) in 593 women whose initial treatment was deemed adequate or probably adequate, and whose treatment for recurrent disease was conventional.
abstract, FINDINGS
Shows what screening-and-treatment achieves; the vaccine's benefit is relative to this pathway, not to untreated disease, in screened populations.
Share of HPV-attributable cancer arising in the cervix
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: Attributable fractions applied to GLOBOCAN 2012
all ages
sex: female
vaccination status: mixed
country: global
period: GLOBOCAN 2012
All ages
vs other HPV-attributable sites83
proportion of HPV-attributable cancers (%)
per HPV-attributable cancer
modellingde et al. 2017 Int J Cancer
quote
Cervix accounts for 83% of HPV-attributable cancer, two-thirds of which occur in less developed countries.
abstract
Two-thirds of these occur in less developed countries.

Vaccine efficacy and effectiveness

Every estimate compiled, annotated by population (P), intervention (I), comparator (C), outcome (O) and study design (S).

Outcome (O)Population (P)Intervention / comparatorEstimateDesign (S)Source
Invasive cervical cancer
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: Invasive cervical cancer in the Swedish Cancer Register, followed to the 31st birthday
10 to 30 years at entry, followed to age 31
sex: female
country: Sweden
setting: nationwide register cohort
period: 2006-2017
n: 1,672,983 girls and women
5-11y12-17y18-49y
quadrivalent HPV vaccine
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: at least 1
vs unvaccinated girls and women
0.37 (0.21–0.57)
IRR vs unvaccinated (fully adjusted)
cohortLei et al. 2020 N Engl J Med
quote
After additional adjustment for other covariates, the incidence rate ratio was 0.37 (95% CI, 0.21 to 0.57).
abstract, RESULTS
19 cancers in vaccinated vs 538 in unvaccinated; cumulative incidence 47 vs 94 per 100,000. Adjusted for age, calendar year, county and parental characteristics; residual confounding by screening attendance and socioeconomic position is possible. VE equivalent 63%.
Invasive cervical cancer
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: Invasive cervical cancer in the Swedish Cancer Register
vaccinated before age 17
sex: female
country: Sweden
setting: nationwide register cohort
period: 2006-2017
5-11y12-17y
quadrivalent HPV vaccine
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: at least 1
vs unvaccinated girls and women
0.12 (0.00–0.34)
IRR vs unvaccinated (fully adjusted)
cohortLei et al. 2020 N Engl J Med
quote
After adjustment for all covariates, the incidence rate ratio was 0.12 (95% CI, 0.00 to 0.34) among women who had been vaccinated before the age of 17 years and 0.47 (95% CI, 0.27 to 0.75) among women who had been vaccinated at the age of 17 to 30 years.
abstract, RESULTS
VE equivalent 88%. Girls vaccinated before 17 were largely vaccinated before HPV exposure.
Invasive cervical cancer
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: Invasive cervical cancer in the Swedish Cancer Register
vaccinated at 17 to 30 years
sex: female
country: Sweden
setting: nationwide register cohort
period: 2006-2017
12-17y18-49y
quadrivalent HPV vaccine
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: at least 1
vs unvaccinated girls and women
0.47 (0.27–0.75)
IRR vs unvaccinated (fully adjusted)
cohortLei et al. 2020 N Engl J Med
quote
After adjustment for all covariates, the incidence rate ratio was 0.12 (95% CI, 0.00 to 0.34) among women who had been vaccinated before the age of 17 years and 0.47 (95% CI, 0.27 to 0.75) among women who had been vaccinated at the age of 17 to 30 years.
abstract, RESULTS
VE equivalent 53%; smaller than for those vaccinated before 17 (hpv-eff-066).
Invasive cervical cancer
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: Invasive cervical cancer in Swedish registers, up to 18 years of follow-up
vaccinated before 17 years
sex: female
country: Sweden
setting: nationwide register cohort
period: 2006-2023
n: 926 362 girls and women; 930 cancers
5-11y12-17y
quadrivalent HPV vaccine
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: at least 1
vs unvaccinated girls and women
0.21 (0.13–0.32)
IRR vs unvaccinated (fully adjusted)
follow-up: up to 18 years
cohortWu et al. 2026 BMJ
quote
Among participants vaccinated before 17 years, the overall fully adjusted incidence rate ratios compared with the unvaccinated group was 0.21 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13 to 0.32), with sustained protection for 13-15 years after vaccination (incidence rate ratio 0.23, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.46).
abstract, RESULTS
Extended follow-up of the Lei 2020 cohort; estimate is less extreme than the earlier 0.12 but still a 79% reduction. Adjusted for age, calendar time, sociodemographic factors and medical history.
Invasive cervical cancer
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: Invasive cervical cancer in Swedish registers
vaccinated before 17 years
sex: female
country: Sweden
setting: nationwide register cohort
period: 2006-2023
5-11y12-17y
quadrivalent HPV vaccine
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: at least 1
time since vaccination: 13-15 years
vs unvaccinated girls and women
0.23 (0.11–0.46)
IRR vs unvaccinated, 13-15 years after vaccination
follow-up: 13-15 years since vaccination
cohortWu et al. 2026 BMJ
quote
Among participants vaccinated before 17 years, the overall fully adjusted incidence rate ratios compared with the unvaccinated group was 0.21 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13 to 0.32), with sustained protection for 13-15 years after vaccination (incidence rate ratio 0.23, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.46).
abstract, RESULTS
No indication of waning protection against invasive cancer at 13-15 years.
Invasive cervical cancer
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: Invasive cervical cancer in Swedish registers
vaccinated at 17 years or older
sex: female
country: Sweden
setting: nationwide register cohort
period: 2006-2023
12-17y18-49y
quadrivalent HPV vaccine
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: at least 1
vs unvaccinated girls and women
0.63 (0.49–0.81)
IRR vs unvaccinated (fully adjusted)
follow-up: up to 18 years
cohortWu et al. 2026 BMJ
quote
For individuals vaccinated at 17 years or older, the overall fully adjusted incidence rate ratio was 0.63 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.81) compared with the unvaccinated group, with significant incidence reductions observed during years 10-12 (incidence rate ratio 0.54, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.86), and years 13-15 (incidence rate ratio 0.23, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.60) after vaccination.
abstract, RESULTS
37% reduction in those vaccinated at 17 or older; the school-based cohort had a 72% lower risk than the opportunistic cohort (IRR 0.28, 0.09 to 0.89).
Invasive cervical cancer
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: Cervical cancer registrations in women aged 20 to under 30, population-based cancer registry
offered vaccine at 12-13 years; outcomes at 20 to under 30
sex: female
country: England
setting: national programme, register-based
period: cohorts offered vaccine from 2008; outcomes to June 2019
n: 13.7 million woman-years
18-49y
bivalent HPV vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: programme (3-dose schedule offered)
vs earlier birth cohorts not eligible for vaccination
87 (72–94)
relative reduction in cervical cancer rate (%) vs unvaccinated cohorts
cohortFalcaro et al. 2021 Lancet
quote
The estimated relative reduction in cervical cancer rates by age at vaccine offer were 34% (95% CI 25-41) for age 16-18 years (school year 12-13), 62% (52-71) for age 14-16 years (school year 10-11), and 87% (72-94) for age 12-13 years (school year 8), compared with the reference unvaccinated cohort.
abstract, FINDINGS
Age-period-cohort model comparing birth cohorts, not individuals by vaccination status; adjusted for screening-policy changes. 448 fewer cancers than expected by mid-2019. Authors conclude cervical cancer is almost eliminated in women born since Sept 1995.
Invasive cervical cancer
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: Cervical cancer registrations in women aged 20 to under 30
offered vaccine at 14-16 years (catch-up)
sex: female
country: England
setting: national catch-up programme, register-based
period: 2008-2010 catch-up cohorts; outcomes to June 2019
12-17y18-49y
bivalent HPV vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: programme (3-dose schedule offered)
vs earlier birth cohorts not eligible for vaccination
62 (52–71)
relative reduction in cervical cancer rate (%) vs unvaccinated cohorts
cohortFalcaro et al. 2021 Lancet
quote
The estimated relative reduction in cervical cancer rates by age at vaccine offer were 34% (95% CI 25-41) for age 16-18 years (school year 12-13), 62% (52-71) for age 14-16 years (school year 10-11), and 87% (72-94) for age 12-13 years (school year 8), compared with the reference unvaccinated cohort.
abstract, FINDINGS
Catch-up cohort with lower coverage and more prior exposure than the routine 12-13 cohort.
Invasive cervical cancer
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: Cervical cancer registrations in women aged 20 to under 30
offered vaccine at 16-18 years (catch-up)
sex: female
country: England
setting: national catch-up programme, register-based
period: 2008-2010 catch-up cohorts; outcomes to June 2019
12-17y
bivalent HPV vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: programme (3-dose schedule offered)
vs earlier birth cohorts not eligible for vaccination
34 (25–41)
relative reduction in cervical cancer rate (%) vs unvaccinated cohorts
cohortFalcaro et al. 2021 Lancet
quote
The estimated relative reduction in cervical cancer rates by age at vaccine offer were 34% (95% CI 25-41) for age 16-18 years (school year 12-13), 62% (52-71) for age 14-16 years (school year 10-11), and 87% (72-94) for age 12-13 years (school year 8), compared with the reference unvaccinated cohort.
abstract, FINDINGS
Oldest catch-up cohort: lowest coverage and most prior HPV exposure, hence the smallest reduction.
Invasive cervical cancer
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: Adjusted age-standardised cervical cancer incidence in the additional 12 months of follow-up
offered vaccine routinely at 12-13 years; women aged 20-64 in the dataset
sex: female
country: England
setting: national programme, register-based
period: 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020
n: 29 968 cervical cancers and 335 228 CIN3 in the whole dataset
18-49y
bivalent HPV vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: programme (3-dose schedule offered)
vs reference cohort of women never offered HPV vaccination
83.9 (63.8–92.8)
relative reduction in age-standardised incidence (%) vs never-offered cohort
cohortFalcaro et al. 2024 BMJ
quote
In the birth cohort of women offered vaccination routinely at age 12-13 years, adjusted age standardised incidence rates of cervical cancer and CIN3 in the additional 12 months of follow-up (1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020) were, respectively, 83.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 63.8% to 92.8%) and 94.3% (92.6% to 95.7%) lower than in the reference cohort of women who were never offered HPV vaccination.
abstract, RESULTS
Replication with 12 more months of follow-up; CIN3 reduction 94.3% (92.6% to 95.7%) in the same sentence. Benefit was present in all five deprivation groups, and the deprivation gradient in cancer incidence disappeared in vaccinated cohorts.
Invasive cervical cancer
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: Invasive cervical cancer from linked screening, immunisation and cancer registry data
vaccinated at 14 to 22 years
sex: female
country: Scotland
setting: national programme, linked registers
period: women born 1988-1996, data to July 2020
12-17y18-49y
bivalent HPV vaccine (Cervarix)
platform: L1 virus-like particle, AS04 adjuvant
doses: 3
vs all unvaccinated women (8.4 per 100,000, 7.2 to 9.6)
3.2 (2.1–4.6)
incidence per 100,000 person-years in vaccinated (vs 8.4 in unvaccinated)
cohortPalmer et al. 2024 J Natl Cancer Inst
quote
Women vaccinated at 14 to 22 years of age and given 3 doses of the bivalent vaccine showed a significant reduction in incidence compared with all unvaccinated women (3.2/100 000 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.1 to 4.6] vs 8.4 [95% CI = 7.2 to 9.6]).
abstract, RESULTS
No invasive cancers at all were recorded in women immunised at 12-13 years irrespective of dose number (no CI given, so not a record). At 14-22 years, 3 doses were needed for a significant effect. Most-deprived women benefited most (13.1 to 2.29 per 100,000).

Other HPV-attributable cancers (anal, oropharyngeal, vulvar, vaginal, penile) and genital warts / papillomatosis Human papillomavirus

Disease risks

Acute risks of the infection itself: complications, hospitalisation, ICU, death.

Outcome (O)Population (P)ComparatorEstimateDesign (S)Source
HPV-attributable cancers (all sites)
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: HPV-associated cancers in US Cancer Statistics registries, multiplied by site-specific attributable fractions
all ages
vaccination status: mixed
country: United States
period: 2012-2016
All ages
34,800
estimated number of HPV-attributable cancers per year
per US population per year
surveillanceSenkomago et al. 2019 MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
quote
An average of 43,999 HPV-associated cancers were reported annually, and an estimated 34,800 (79%) of those cancers were attributable to HPV.
abstract
43,999 HPV-associated cancers were reported annually, of which an estimated 79% were attributable to HPV. The vaccinated cohorts were too young to affect these counts.
Oropharyngeal cancers attributable to 9vHPV vaccine types
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: Registry oropharyngeal cancers multiplied by the fraction attributable to 9vHPV types
all ages
vaccination status: mixed
country: United States
period: 2012-2016
All ages
12,600
estimated number of cancers attributable to 9vHPV types per year
per US population per year
surveillanceSenkomago et al. 2019 MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
quote
The most common were cervical (9,700) and oropharyngeal cancers (12,600).
abstract
Oropharyngeal cancer is now the most common HPV-attributable cancer in the US, mostly in men (13,100 of the 32,100 cancers occurred among males).
HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer incidence
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: SEER registry oropharyngeal cancers with HPV status determined by PCR/genotyping and reweighted to all registered cases
all ages
vaccination status: unvaccinated
country: United States
period: 1988-2004
n: 271 tumours tested
All ages
225 (208–242)
percentage increase in incidence 1988-2004 (from 0.8 to 2.6 per 100,000)
per 100,000 population
surveillanceChaturvedi et al. 2023 J Clin Oncol
quote
Population-level incidence of HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers increased by 225% (95% CI, 208% to 242%) from 1988 to 2004 (from 0.8 per 100,000 to 2.6 per 100,000), and incidence for HPV-negative cancers declined by 50% (95% CI, 47% to 53%; from 2.0 per 100,000 to 1.0 per 100,000).
abstract, RESULTS
Pre-vaccine era. HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancer incidence fell by 50% over the same period.
Genital warts
severity: any
case definition: Genital wart episodes defined from the Prescribed Drug Register and National Patient Register
20-year-old women (peak age)
sex: female
vaccination status: mixed
country: Sweden
period: 2010
18-49y
956
annual incidence proportion per 100,000
per 100,000 women aged 20 per year
surveillanceLeval et al. 2012 J Infect Dis
quote
RESULTS: In 2010, age-stratified incidence proportions of GW were highest for 20-year-old women (956 cases/100 000), while the incidence proportion among males was greatest at the slightly older age of 24 years (1137 cases/100 000).
abstract, RESULTS
Peak-age figure; males peaked at 24 years (1137 per 100,000) in the same sentence. 2010 was before high vaccine uptake in Sweden, so this is close to a pre-vaccine baseline.
Juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
severity: chronic airway disease requiring repeated surgery
case definition: Cases notified to the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit by paediatric otorhinolaryngologists
children (juvenile onset)
vaccination status: unvaccinated
country: Australia
period: 2012-2016
n: 15 incident cases
Infant <1y1-4y5-11y12-17y
0.07
incidence per 100,000 children per year
per 100,000 children per year
surveillanceNovakovic et al. 2018 J Infect Dis
quote
RESULTS: The average annual incidence rate was 0.07 per 100000.
abstract, RESULTS
Rare disease caused by HPV 6/11 acquired at birth; rate fell from 0.16 to 0.02 per 100,000 across the period after maternal-cohort vaccination (see efficacy record).

Post-acute and long-term sequelae

What can follow the acute illness: chronic disease, disability, cancers, congenital syndromes, post-infectious conditions.

Outcome (O)Population (P)ComparatorEstimateDesign (S)Source
Cancer attributable to HPV, all sites
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: Attributable fractions derived from prevalence of transforming HPV infection in cancer tissue applied to GLOBOCAN 2012
all ages
vaccination status: mixed
country: global
period: GLOBOCAN 2012
All ages
vs cancers not attributable to HPV4.5
attributable fraction of all cancers (%)
per all incident cancers
modellingde et al. 2017 Int J Cancer
quote
4.5% of all cancers worldwide (630,000 new cancer cases per year) are attributable to HPV: 8.6% in women and 0.8% in men.
abstract
630,000 cases per year; 8.6% of cancers in women and 0.8% in men. Attributable fraction, not a risk per infected person.
Share of HPV-attributable cancers caused by HPV16/18 (bivalent/quadrivalent types)
severity: invasive cancer
strain: HPV16/18
case definition: Type-specific contributions from cancer-tissue HPV prevalence studies
all ages
vaccination status: mixed
country: global
period: GLOBOCAN 2012
All ages
vs other HPV types73
proportion of HPV-attributable cancers (%)
per HPV-attributable cancer
modellingde et al. 2017 Int J Cancer
quote
The relative contributions of HPV16/18 and HPV6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58 are 73% and 90%, respectively.
abstract
The nine 9vHPV types account for 90% in the same sentence. This is the ceiling on what a 2v/4v vaccine can prevent without cross-protection.
New cancer cases attributable to HPV
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: Population-attributable fractions applied to GLOBOCAN 2024 incidence
all ages
vaccination status: mixed
country: global
period: 2024
All ages
vs cancers not attributable to infection750 000
number of new cancer cases attributable to HPV per year (PAF 4%)
per all incident cancers worldwide
modellingRumgay et al. 2026 Lancet Oncol
quote
The largest number of cases was attributable to H pylori (n=760 000, PAF 4%), followed by HPV (n=750 000, 4%), HBV (n=360 000, 2%), EBV (n=260 000, 1%), and HCV (n=160 000, <1%).
abstract, FINDINGS
HPV is the second largest infectious cause of cancer after H. pylori. Vaccinated cohorts are only beginning to reach cancer-bearing ages, so this is largely a pre-vaccine-impact figure.
Anal cancers attributable to HPV
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: Attributable fractions applied to GLOBOCAN 2012
all ages
vaccination status: mixed
country: global
period: GLOBOCAN 2012
All ages
vs not applicable35,000
number of HPV-attributable cases per year
per world population per year
modellingde et al. 2017 Int J Cancer
quote
Other HPV-attributable anogenital cancer includes 8,500 vulva; 12,000 vagina; 35,000 anus (half occurring in men) and 13,000 penis.
abstract
Same sentence gives 8,500 vulva, 12,000 vagina and 13,000 penis cancers attributable to HPV.
Oropharyngeal cancers attributable to HPV
severity: invasive cancer
case definition: Attributable fractions applied to GLOBOCAN 2012
all ages
vaccination status: mixed
country: global (mostly more developed countries)
period: GLOBOCAN 2012
All ages
vs not applicable21,000
number of HPV-attributable cases per year
per world population per year
modellingde et al. 2017 Int J Cancer
quote
In the head and neck, HPV-attributable cancers represent 38,000 cases of which 21,000 are oropharyngeal cancers occurring in more developed countries.
abstract
Of 38,000 HPV-attributable head and neck cancers.

Vaccine efficacy and effectiveness

Every estimate compiled, annotated by population (P), intervention (I), comparator (C), outcome (O) and study design (S).

Outcome (O)Population (P)Intervention / comparatorEstimateDesign (S)Source
High-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia irrespective of HPV type
severity: AIN2/3
strain: any HPV type
case definition: Histologically confirmed high-grade AIN in one RCT of men who have sex with men
16 to 26 years
sex: male
risk group: men who have sex with men
country: multiple (one RCT)
12-17y18-49y
Gardasil (quadrivalent)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
vs placebo
0.75 (0.53–1.07)
RR vs placebo
meta-analysis
GRADE: low
Bergman et al. 2025 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
There was a reduction in high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) irrespective of HPV type in the Gardasil group in one study in men who have sex with men (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.07) (low-certainty).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS
Not statistically significant for any-type AIN; the type-specific per-protocol estimates from the same trial (hpv-eff-042 to 044) are much higher.
High-grade penile intraepithelial neoplasia
severity: PeIN2/3
case definition: Histologically confirmed high-grade PeIN, irrespective of and vaccine-matched HPV type
16 to 26 years
sex: male
country: multiple (one RCT)
n: 3880 participants
12-17y18-49y
Gardasil (quadrivalent)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
vs placebo
1.00 (0.20–4.93)
RR vs placebo
follow-up: 36 months
meta-analysis
GRADE: low
Bergman et al. 2025 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
For both high-grade penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PeIN) irrespective of HPV type and vaccine-matched HPV-type high-grade PeIN, little to no difference per 1000 participants was reported in the Gardasil group in one study with 3880 participants at 36 months follow-up (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.20 to 4.93) (low-certainty).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS
Null; very few events. No evidence of benefit against penile precancer in the trial.
Anogenital warts irrespective of HPV type
severity: any
case definition: Clinically diagnosed anogenital warts in three RCTs
15 to 26 years (trial populations)
country: multiple (three RCTs)
n: 21,271 participants
12-17y18-49y
HPV vaccines containing types 6/11 (Gardasil, Gardasil-9)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
vs control
0.38 (0.32–0.46)
RR vs control
follow-up: up to 48 months
meta-analysis
GRADE: high
Bergman et al. 2025 Cochrane Database Syst Rev
quote
Anogenital warts In pairwise analysis of three studies with 21,271 participants, there were 25 fewer cases of anogenital warts irrespective of HPV type per 1000 participants (95% CI 22 to 28 fewer per 1000) in the HPV vaccine groups compared with the control group rate at up to 48 months follow-up (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.46) (high-certainty).
abstract, MAIN RESULTS
25 fewer cases per 1000 participants (22 to 28 fewer). Bivalent vaccines do not contain types 6/11.
Anogenital wart diagnoses in boys (herd effect of female vaccination)
severity: any
case definition: Anogenital wart diagnoses before vs after female vaccination programmes
boys aged 15-19 years
sex: male
country: 14 high-income countries
setting: population-level programme evaluation
period: 5-8 years after vaccination introduction
12-17y
HPV vaccination programmes for girls and women (quadrivalent)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: programme (boys largely unvaccinated)
vs pre-vaccination period
0.52 (0.37–0.75)
RR post- vs pre-vaccination period
meta-analysisDrolet et al. 2019 Lancet
quote
Among boys aged 15-19 years anogenital wart diagnoses decreased significantly by 48% (RR 0·52, 95% CI 0·37-0·75) and among men aged 20-24 years they decreased significantly by 32% (RR 0·68, 95% CI 0·47-0·98).
abstract, FINDINGS
Herd protection: boys were mostly not vaccinated in these programmes. Girls 15-19: 67% decrease (RR 0.33).
External genital lesions related to HPV-6, 11, 16 or 18
severity: any external genital lesion
strain: HPV-6/11/16/18
case definition: Condyloma, penile/perineal/perianal intraepithelial neoplasia or cancer with vaccine-type HPV
16 to 26 years
sex: male
prior infection: negative for relevant HPV types at enrolment
country: 18 countries
n: 4065 boys and men randomised
12-17y18-49y
quadrivalent HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine (Gardasil)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
vs placebo
90.4 (69.2–98.1)
VE (%)
RCTGiuliano et al. 2011 N Engl J Med
quote
In the per-protocol population, efficacy against lesions related to HPV-6, 11, 16, or 18 was 90.4% (95% CI, 69.2 to 98.1).
abstract, RESULTS
Per-protocol. Most lesions prevented were genital warts.
External genital lesions of any HPV type
severity: any external genital lesion
strain: any HPV type
case definition: Any external genital lesion, intention-to-treat
16 to 26 years
sex: male
prior infection: regardless of baseline HPV status
country: 18 countries
n: 4065 boys and men randomised
12-17y18-49y
quadrivalent HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine (Gardasil)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
vs placebo
60.2 (40.8–73.8)
VE (%)
RCTGiuliano et al. 2011 N Engl J Med
quote
RESULTS: In the intention-to-treat population, 36 external genital lesions were seen in the vaccine group as compared with 89 in the placebo group, for an observed efficacy of 60.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 40.8 to 73.8); the efficacy was 65.5% (95% CI, 45.8 to 78.6) for lesions related to HPV-6, 11, 16, or 18.
abstract, RESULTS
36 vs 89 lesions. Intention-to-treat; persistent-infection efficacy in ITT was 47.8% (36.0 to 57.6).
Anal intraepithelial neoplasia associated with HPV-6, 11, 16 or 18
severity: AIN any grade
strain: HPV-6/11/16/18
case definition: Histologically confirmed AIN (any grade) or anal cancer with vaccine-type HPV
16 to 26 years
sex: male
risk group: men who have sex with men
prior infection: per-protocol (HPV-negative for the relevant type)
country: multinational
n: 602 men randomised
12-17y18-49y
quadrivalent HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine (Gardasil)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
vs placebo
77.5 (39.6–93.3)
VE (%)
RCTPalefsky et al. 2011 N Engl J Med
quote
RESULTS: Efficacy of the qHPV vaccine against anal intraepithelial neoplasia associated with HPV-6, 11, 16, or 18 was 50.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 25.7 to 67.2) in the intention-to-treat population and 77.5% (95% CI, 39.6 to 93.3) in the per-protocol efficacy population; the corresponding efficacies against anal intraepithelial neoplasia associated with HPV of any type were 25.7% (95% CI, -1.1 to 45.6) and 54.9% (95% CI, 8.4 to 79.1), respectively.
abstract, RESULTS
Substudy of the male trial. ITT estimate in the same sentence is hpv-eff-043.
Anal intraepithelial neoplasia associated with HPV-6, 11, 16 or 18
severity: AIN any grade
strain: HPV-6/11/16/18
case definition: Histologically confirmed AIN or anal cancer with vaccine-type HPV
16 to 26 years
sex: male
risk group: men who have sex with men
prior infection: intention-to-treat, regardless of baseline HPV status
country: multinational
n: 602 men randomised
12-17y18-49y
quadrivalent HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine (Gardasil)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
vs placebo
50.3 (25.7–67.2)
VE (%)
RCTPalefsky et al. 2011 N Engl J Med
quote
RESULTS: Efficacy of the qHPV vaccine against anal intraepithelial neoplasia associated with HPV-6, 11, 16, or 18 was 50.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 25.7 to 67.2) in the intention-to-treat population and 77.5% (95% CI, 39.6 to 93.3) in the per-protocol efficacy population; the corresponding efficacies against anal intraepithelial neoplasia associated with HPV of any type were 25.7% (95% CI, -1.1 to 45.6) and 54.9% (95% CI, 8.4 to 79.1), respectively.
abstract, RESULTS
Any-type AIN in ITT was only 25.7% (-1.1 to 45.6), not significant.
Grade 2 or 3 anal intraepithelial neoplasia related to HPV-6, 11, 16 or 18
severity: AIN2/3 (anal precancer)
strain: HPV-6/11/16/18
case definition: Histologically confirmed high-grade AIN with vaccine-type HPV
16 to 26 years
sex: male
risk group: men who have sex with men
prior infection: per-protocol
country: multinational
12-17y18-49y
quadrivalent HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine (Gardasil)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
vs placebo
74.9 (8.8–95.4)
VE (%)
RCTPalefsky et al. 2011 N Engl J Med
quote
The rate of grade 2 or 3 anal intraepithelial neoplasia related to infection with HPV-6, 11, 16, or 18 was reduced by 54.2% (95% CI, 18.0 to 75.3) in the intention-to-treat population and by 74.9% (95% CI, 8.8 to 95.4) in the per-protocol efficacy population.
abstract, RESULTS
ITT estimate 54.2% (18.0 to 75.3) in the same sentence. Wide interval: few high-grade events.
External genital warts related to HPV6 or 11
severity: any
strain: HPV6/11
case definition: Clinically and histologically confirmed genital warts with HPV6/11 DNA
16 to 26 years at vaccination
sex: male
prior infection: per-protocol (seronegative and PCR-negative at baseline)
country: 16 countries
n: 936 early-vaccination group
12-17y18-49y
quadrivalent HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine (Gardasil)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 3
vs placebo group of the base study (137.3 per 10,000 person-years, 83.9-212.1)
0.0 (0.0–8.7)
incidence per 10,000 person-years in vaccinated (vs 137.3 in base-study placebo)
follow-up: median 9.5 years after third dose
RCTGoldstone et al. 2022 Lancet Infect Dis
quote
In early vaccine group participants during long-term follow-up compared with the placebo group in the base study, the incidence per 10 000 person-years of external genital warts related to HPV6 or 11 was 0·0 (95% CI 0·0-8·7) versus 137·3 (83·9-212·1), of external genital lesions related to HPV6, 11, 16, or 18 was 0·0 (0·0-7·7) versus 140·4 (89·0-210·7), and of anal intraepithelial neoplasia or anal cancer related to HPV6, 11, 16, or 18 in MSM only was 20·5 (0·5-114·4) versus 906·2 (553·5-1399·5).
abstract, FINDINGS
Open-label extension with a historical placebo comparator, not a concurrent control. No vaccine-type warts over 10 years in men vaccinated early.
Genital warts (first occurrence)
severity: any
case definition: First genital wart diagnosis or prescription in Danish registers
vaccination initiated at 12-14 years
sex: female
country: Denmark
setting: nationwide register cohort
period: born 1985-2003, followed to 2016
n: 1 076 945 girls and women
5-11y12-17y
quadrivalent HPV vaccine
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: 1
vs unvaccinated girls
0.29 (.22–.38)
IRR vs unvaccinated (1-dose VE 71%)
cohortBaandrup et al. 2021 Clin Infect Dis
quote
For girls initiating vaccination at age 12-14 years and 15-16 years, 1-dose vaccine effectiveness (VE) was 71% (IRR = 0.29; 95% CI, .22-.38) and 62% (0.38; .29-.49), respectively, compared with unvaccinated girls.
abstract, RESULTS
Two-dose IRR 0.22 (.18-.26) in the same age group; one-dose VE approached that of 2 or 3 doses over calendar time, which the authors attribute to herd protection.
First episode of anogenital warts
severity: any
case definition: Anogenital wart episodes in Norwegian registers 2006-2016
30 years or older at first vaccination
sex: female
country: Norway
setting: nationwide register cohort
period: 2006-2016, birth cohorts 1975-2003
n: 2.2 million individuals
18-49y
quadrivalent HPV vaccine
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: not reported
vs unvaccinated individuals
2.7
HR vs unvaccinated
cohortNygård et al. 2023 Vaccine
quote
RESULTS: The VE against the first episode of AGW was strongly dependent on vaccination age, with hazard ratios (HRs) compared to unvaccinated individuals of 0.2, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 1.3, and 2.7, for age groups of ⩽13, 14-15, 16-17, 18-19, 20-24, 25-29, and 30+ years at first vaccination, respectively.
abstract, RESULTS
HR above 1 (more warts in vaccinated) for women first vaccinated at 25-29 (1.3) and 30+ (2.7), versus 0.2 at 13 years or younger: women vaccinating late are a self-selected higher-risk group, and the vaccine does not treat existing infection. No CI printed in the abstract.
Genital warts diagnoses at sexual health services
severity: any
case definition: New patients diagnosed with genital warts at eight sentinel sexual health services
young female residents eligible for free vaccination (12-26 years in 2007)
sex: female
country: Australia
setting: sentinel sexual health services
period: 2004-2009
n: 112 083 new patients
12-17y18-49y
quadrivalent HPV vaccine (national programme)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: programme (3-dose schedule)
vs pre-programme period (2004 to mid-2007)
59
decline in proportion diagnosed with genital warts (%)
surveillanceDonovan et al. 2011 Lancet Infect Dis
quote
After vaccination began, a decline in number of diagnoses of genital warts was noted for young female residents (59%, p(trend)<0·0001).
abstract, FINDINGS
Trend analysis without CI. Heterosexual men fell 28% without being vaccinated (herd effect); no decline in non-resident women, women over 26 or men who have sex with men.
Juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis incidence
severity: chronic airway disease
strain: HPV-6/11
case definition: JORRP cases notified by paediatric otorhinolaryngologists to the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit
children (juvenile onset), born to mothers in vaccinated cohorts
country: Australia
setting: national surveillance
period: 2012-2016
Infant <1y1-4y5-11y
quadrivalent HPV vaccine (female programme 2007-2009)
platform: L1 virus-like particle
doses: programme (maternal vaccination before pregnancy)
vs 2012 rate
0.02
incidence per 100,000 children per year in 2016 (from 0.16 in 2012)
surveillanceNovakovic et al. 2018 J Infect Dis
quote
Rates declined from 0.16 per 100000 in 2012 to 0.02 per 100000 in 2016 (P = .034).
abstract, RESULTS
Indirect benefit to infants of vaccinated mothers; none of the 15 cases had a mother vaccinated before pregnancy. Small numbers (P = .034).

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Every figure here is quoted verbatim from the source named in its row, and is shown on the scale the source uses. Nothing is recomputed or combined. Open “quote” on any row to check it against the cached source.

Cite this page. HPV vaccines (2v, 4v, 9v). Open Source Medicine Foundation. Estimates compiled 21 October 2026 from the sources named in each row. https://vaccinedatanavigator.org/disease-risk/hpv.html

BibTeX
@misc{vaccinedatanavigator-disease-risk-2026,
  title        = {HPV vaccines (2v, 4v, 9v)},
  author       = {{Open Source Medicine Foundation}},
  year         = {2026},
  note         = {Disease risk and vaccine efficacy estimates, compiled 21 October 2026; every value quoted verbatim from its source.},
  howpublished = {\url{https://vaccinedatanavigator.org/disease-risk/hpv.html}}
}

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