Genital HPV infection (prevalence, persistent infection) Human papillomavirus
Disease risks
Acute risks of the infection itself: complications, hospitalisation, ICU, death.
| Outcome (O) | Population (P) | Comparator | Estimate | Design (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-analysis | Bruni et al. 2010 J Infect DisquoteThe 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-analysis | Bruni et al. 2010 J Infect DisquoteSub-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-analysis | Bruni et al. 2010 J Infect DisquoteAmong 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 women | 2.64 (2.04–3.42) pooled RR vs HIV-negative women per woman | meta-analysis 38 studies | Liu et al. 2018 AIDSquoteHIV-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 body | cdc.govquoteBased 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 body | cdc.govquoteApproximately 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 / comparator | Estimate | Design (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-analysis | Drolet et al. 2019 LancetquoteAfter 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-analysis | Drolet et al. 2019 LancetquoteThe 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 body | cdc.govquoteWithin 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 | RCT | Apter et al. 2015 Clin Vaccine ImmunolquoteVE 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 | RCT | Apter et al. 2015 Clin Vaccine ImmunolquoteVE 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 | RCT | Kreimer et al. 2015 Lancet OncolquoteVaccine 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 | RCT | Kreimer et al. 2015 Lancet OncolquoteVaccine 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 | RCT | Kreimer et al. 2015 Lancet OncolquoteVaccine 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 | RCT | Kreimer et al. 2015 Lancet OncolquoteVaccine 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 | RCT | Castellsagué et al. 2011 Br J CancerquoteRESULTS: 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 | RCT | Castellsagué et al. 2011 Br J CancerquoteEfficacy 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) | RCT | Wheeler et al. 2016 Lancet Infect DisquoteAt 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 | RCT | Wheeler et al. 2016 Lancet Infect DisquoteWe 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 | RCT | Barnabas et al. 2023 Nat MedquoteNonavalent 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 | RCT | Barnabas et al. 2023 Nat MedquoteNonavalent 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 | RCT | Barnabas et al. 2023 Nat MedquoteOverall, 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 | RCT | Kreimer et al. 2025 N Engl J MedquoteThe 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 | RCT | Kreimer et al. 2025 N Engl J MedquoteThe 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 | RCT | Zhao et al. 2025 Lancet Reg Health West PacquoteOver 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 | cohort | Safaeian et al. 2018 J Natl Cancer InstquoteRESULTS: 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 | cohort | Safaeian et al. 2018 J Natl Cancer InstquoteRESULTS: 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 | cohort | Basu et al. 2021 Lancet OncolquoteVaccine 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 | cohort | Basu et al. 2021 Lancet OncolquoteVaccine 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 | cohort | Basu et al. 2021 Lancet OncolquoteVaccine 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 | cohort | Chaturvedi et al. 2018 J Clin OncolquoteThe 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) | Comparator | Estimate | Design (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 women | 1.32 (1.10–1.58) pooled HR vs HIV-negative women per woman | meta-analysis | Liu et al. 2018 AIDSquoteHIV 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 | cohort | Palmer et al. 2019 BMJquoteCompared 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 | cohort | Palmer et al. 2019 BMJquoteCompared 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 / comparator | Estimate | Design (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 RevquoteThere 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 RevquoteThere 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 RevquoteThere 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 RevquoteThe 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 RevquoteThe 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-analysis | Arbyn et al. 2018 Cochrane Database Syst RevquoteData 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 RevquoteIn 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 RevquoteNo 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 RevquoteThe 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-analysis | Arbyn et al. 2018 Cochrane Database Syst RevquoteThe 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-analysis | Arbyn et al. 2018 Cochrane Database Syst RevquoteThe 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 RevquoteThe 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 RevquoteThe 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 RevquoteIn 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 RevquoteIn 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 RevquoteTreatment 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-analysis | Drolet et al. 2019 LancetquoteAfter 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 | RCT | FUTURE 2007 N Engl J MedquoteVaccine 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 | RCT | FUTURE 2007 N Engl J MedquoteVaccine 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 | RCT | FUTURE 2007 N Engl J MedquoteThe 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 | RCT | Lehtinen et al. 2012 Lancet OncolquoteFINDINGS: 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 | RCT | Lehtinen et al. 2012 Lancet OncolquoteFINDINGS: 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 | RCT | Lehtinen et al. 2012 Lancet OncolquoteVaccine 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 | RCT | Lehtinen et al. 2012 Lancet OncolquoteVaccine 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 | RCT | Apter et al. 2015 Clin Vaccine ImmunolquoteVE 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 | RCT | Wheeler et al. 2012 Lancet OncolquoteVaccine 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 | RCT | Wheeler et al. 2012 Lancet OncolquoteCorresponding 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 | RCT | Wheeler et al. 2012 Lancet OncolquoteVaccine 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 | RCT | Joura et al. 2015 N Engl J MedquoteThe 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 | RCT | Wheeler et al. 2016 Lancet Infect DisquoteIn 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 | RCT | Zhao et al. 2025 Lancet Reg Health West PacquoteOver 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%) | cohort | Herweijer et al. 2016 Int J CancerquoteEffectiveness 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%) | cohort | Herweijer et al. 2016 Int J CancerquoteEffectiveness 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%) | cohort | Herweijer et al. 2016 Int J CancerquoteEffectiveness 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 | cohort | Kjaer et al. 2020 EClinicalMedicinequoteVaccine 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 | cohort | Falcaro et al. 2021 LancetquoteThe 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 (%) | cohort | Palmer et al. 2019 BMJquoteCompared 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 (%) | cohort | Palmer et al. 2019 BMJquoteYounger 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 | cohort | Verdoodt et al. 2020 Clin Infect DisquoteWe 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 | cohort | Verdoodt et al. 2020 Clin Infect DisquoteWe 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 / comparator | Estimate | Design (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 RevquoteNo 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 RevquoteMortality 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 RevquoteNo 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 RevquoteThe 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 RevquoteSerious 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) | Comparator | Estimate | Design (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 women | 4.1 (2.3–6.6) RR vs HIV-negative women per woman | meta-analysis | Liu et al. 2018 AIDSquoteCervical 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 | cohort | Wang et al. 2026 J Gynecol OncolquoteUnadjusted 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 | surveillance | Singh et al. 2023 Lancet Glob HealthquoteFINDINGS: 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 | surveillance | Singh et al. 2023 Lancet Glob HealthquoteFINDINGS: 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 | surveillance | Singh et al. 2023 Lancet Glob HealthquoteCervical 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 | surveillance | Singh et al. 2023 Lancet Glob HealthquoteMortality 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 | surveillance | Singh et al. 2023 Lancet Glob HealthquoteMortality 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 | surveillance | Li et al. 2025 Int J CancerquoteGlobally, 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 | surveillance | Senkomago et al. 2019 MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly RepquoteThe 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) | Comparator | Estimate | Design (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 types | 66 proportion of cervical cancers (%) per cervical cancer | expert body | cdc.govquoteType 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 | cohort | McCredie et al. 2008 Lancet OncolquoteIn 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 adequate | 50.3 (37.3–64.9) cumulative incidence (%) at 30 years per woman with persistent untreated CIN3 follow-up: 30 years | cohort | McCredie et al. 2008 Lancet OncolquoteIn 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 | cohort | McCredie et al. 2008 Lancet OncolquoteHowever, 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 sites | 83 proportion of HPV-attributable cancers (%) per HPV-attributable cancer | modelling | de et al. 2017 Int J CancerquoteCervix 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 / comparator | Estimate | Design (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) | cohort | Lei et al. 2020 N Engl J MedquoteAfter 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) | cohort | Lei et al. 2020 N Engl J MedquoteAfter 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) | cohort | Lei et al. 2020 N Engl J MedquoteAfter 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 | cohort | Wu et al. 2026 BMJquoteAmong 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 | cohort | Wu et al. 2026 BMJquoteAmong 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 | cohort | Wu et al. 2026 BMJquoteFor 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 | cohort | Falcaro et al. 2021 LancetquoteThe 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 | cohort | Falcaro et al. 2021 LancetquoteThe 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 | cohort | Falcaro et al. 2021 LancetquoteThe 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 | cohort | Falcaro et al. 2024 BMJquoteIn 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) | cohort | Palmer et al. 2024 J Natl Cancer InstquoteWomen 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) | Comparator | Estimate | Design (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 | surveillance | Senkomago et al. 2019 MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly RepquoteAn 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 | surveillance | Senkomago et al. 2019 MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly RepquoteThe 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 | surveillance | Chaturvedi et al. 2023 J Clin OncolquotePopulation-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 | surveillance | Leval et al. 2012 J Infect DisquoteRESULTS: 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 | surveillance | Novakovic et al. 2018 J Infect DisquoteRESULTS: 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) | Comparator | Estimate | Design (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 HPV | 4.5 attributable fraction of all cancers (%) per all incident cancers | modelling | de et al. 2017 Int J Cancerquote4.5% 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 types | 73 proportion of HPV-attributable cancers (%) per HPV-attributable cancer | modelling | de et al. 2017 Int J CancerquoteThe 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 infection | 750 000 number of new cancer cases attributable to HPV per year (PAF 4%) per all incident cancers worldwide | modelling | Rumgay et al. 2026 Lancet OncolquoteThe 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 applicable | 35,000 number of HPV-attributable cases per year per world population per year | modelling | de et al. 2017 Int J CancerquoteOther 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 applicable | 21,000 number of HPV-attributable cases per year per world population per year | modelling | de et al. 2017 Int J CancerquoteIn 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 / comparator | Estimate | Design (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 RevquoteThere 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 RevquoteFor 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 RevquoteAnogenital 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-analysis | Drolet et al. 2019 LancetquoteAmong 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 (%) | RCT | Giuliano et al. 2011 N Engl J MedquoteIn 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 (%) | RCT | Giuliano et al. 2011 N Engl J MedquoteRESULTS: 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 (%) | RCT | Palefsky et al. 2011 N Engl J MedquoteRESULTS: 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 (%) | RCT | Palefsky et al. 2011 N Engl J MedquoteRESULTS: 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 (%) | RCT | Palefsky et al. 2011 N Engl J MedquoteThe 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 | RCT | Goldstone et al. 2022 Lancet Infect DisquoteIn 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%) | cohort | Baandrup et al. 2021 Clin Infect DisquoteFor 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 | cohort | Nygård et al. 2023 VaccinequoteRESULTS: 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 (%) | surveillance | Donovan et al. 2011 Lancet Infect DisquoteAfter 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) | surveillance | Novakovic et al. 2018 J Infect DisquoteRates 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). |
Gaps
- WHO HPV position paper (December 2022) text could not be captured: the who.int landing page snapshot holds only navigation. No WHO-quoted figures are in this file.
- No vaccine efficacy or effectiveness estimate in HIV-positive or otherwise immunocompromised people was found; only disease-burden estimates by HIV status are compiled.
- No vaccine effectiveness record against invasive anal, oropharyngeal, vulvar, vaginal or penile cancer as an outcome: trials and cohorts report precancer (AIN, VIN/VaIN, PeIN) or oral infection only.
- No type-specific cumulative risk of CIN3+ after persistent HPV16 infection (e.g. 10-year risk cohorts) was compiled.
- No pre-vaccine-era cervical cancer incidence from a high-income country with organised screening is given as a separate record; the GLOBOCAN 2020 figures are mixed-era.
- No pregnancy-exposure efficacy or infant-outcome records: HPV vaccine is not given in pregnancy; Cochrane pregnancy safety outcomes are compiled as safety only.
- Scotland 2024 (PMID 38247547) reports zero invasive cancers among women vaccinated at 12-13 years but no numeric estimate with a CI, so it is recorded only in notes and a flag.
Flags for review
- FUTURE II (hpv-eff-020) reports its per-protocol CI as a 95.89% confidence interval, and Giuliano 2011 (hpv-eff-040) and VIVIANE (hpv-eff-049) use 97.5% and 96.2% intervals; ci_low/ci_high are recorded as printed, not 95% intervals.
- Cochrane 2018 reports more deaths in vaccinated women (RR 1.29, 0.85-1.98, low certainty) concentrated in women over 25; the review judged them unrelated to vaccination. Recorded as hpv-saf-002; a reviewer should decide how to present it.
- The MMWR counts (hpv-bur-018 to 020) are numbers of cancers, not rates; do not divide by the GLOBOCAN denominators or multiply with the attributable fractions, which were already applied by CDC.
- Scotland 2024 (PMID 38247547): no invasive cervical cancers were recorded in women immunised at 12-13 regardless of dose number; no CI is given so no record carries it. Also, Palmer 2024 and Falcaro 2021/2024 are register comparisons across birth cohorts, so secular screening changes are a confounder the authors adjusted for but could not remove.
- The Herweijer (hpv-eff-033 to 035), Lei, Wu, Verdoodt and Danish warts records are reported as IRR/HR with the VE % only in notes, to keep value and CI on one scale; the sources print both.
Search log (41 searches)
HPV vaccination invasive cervical cancer Sweden quadrivalent cohort· PubMed → Found PMID 32997908 (Lei 2020 NEJM), 41740992 (Wu 2026 BMJ extended follow-up), 26856527 (Herweijer 2016 CIN2+ by age).bivalent HPV vaccine cervical cancer incidence England Falcaro· PubMed → Found PMID 34741816 (Falcaro 2021 Lancet).Cochrane prophylactic vaccination against human papillomaviruses to prevent cervical cancer and its precursors· PubMed → Found PMID 29740819 (Arbyn 2018 Cochrane).single-dose HPV vaccine efficacy randomised Kenya KEN SHE· PubMed → Found PMID 38049621 (Barnabas 2023 3-year results), 38365419 (DoRIS immunobridging).global burden cervical cancer incidence mortality GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates· PubMed → Found PMID 36528031 (Singh 2023 GLOBOCAN 2020), 40026066 (Li 2025 GLOBOCAN 2022).HPV attributable fraction cancers worldwide de Martel· PubMed → Found PMID 28369882 (de Martel 2017), 42805198 (Rumgay 2026 infections-attributable cancers).9-valent HPV vaccine efficacy randomized trial women Joura· PubMed → Found PMID 25693011 (Joura 2015 NEJM).quadrivalent HPV vaccine efficacy men anal intraepithelial neoplasia randomized· PubMed → Found PMID 22029979 (Palefsky 2011), 34780705 (Goldstone 2022 long-term), 41276263 (Cochrane 2025 network meta-analysis).FUTURE II quadrivalent vaccine high-grade cervical lesions· PubMed → Found PMID 17494925 (FUTURE II 2007).PATRICIA HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine efficacy end-of-study· PubMed → Found PMID 22075171 (Lehtinen 2012), 22075170 (Wheeler 2012 cross-protection).Costa Rica vaccine trial HPV-16/18 one dose two doses three doses efficacy· PubMed → Found PMID 26071347 (Kreimer 2015 CVT+PATRICIA), 28954299 (Safaeian 2018 CVT 7-year).India multicentre HPV vaccine trial two doses one dose Sankaranarayanan· PubMed → Found PMID 34634254 (Basu 2021 10-year).HPV vaccination Scotland cervical cancer incidence bivalent· PubMed → Found PMID 38247547 (Palmer 2024 invasive cancer), 30944092 (Palmer 2019 CIN at age 20).HPV vaccine long-term efficacy 10 years Nordic follow-up quadrivalent· PubMed → Found PMID 32637895 (Kjaer 2020 14-year), 29029053 (Kjaer 2018 12-year).HPV vaccine cross-protection HPV31 HPV33 HPV45 meta-analysis· PubMed → Only seropositivity and ecological reviews; cross-protection records taken from PATRICIA (22075170), CVT (26071347), VIVIANE (27373900) and Drolet (31255301) instead.HPV vaccination genital warts population effectiveness Australia· PubMed → Found PMID 21067976 (Donovan 2011).global prevalence cervical HPV infection women normal cytology meta-analysis· PubMed → Found PMID 21067372 (Bruni 2010).natural history CIN3 untreated progression invasive cancer McCredie· PubMed → Found PMID 18407790 (McCredie 2008).HPV persistent infection risk CIN3 cohort HPV16 cumulative incidence· PubMed → No suitable cohort surfaced; found PMID 25651922 (PATRICIA final event-driven analysis) instead.oropharyngeal cancer incidence HPV attributable United States trends· PubMed → Found PMID 37285653 (Chaturvedi, SEER HPV-positive oropharyngeal trends).HPV vaccine effectiveness immunocompromised HIV women CIN· PubMed → No effectiveness study found (one 2006 chapter only).quadrivalent HPV vaccination anal cancer incidence population Denmark· PubMed → Nothing relevant (one safety overview).HPV vaccination oropharyngeal oral HPV infection prevalence effectiveness NHANES· PubMed → Found PMID 29182497 (Chaturvedi 2018 oral HPV NHANES).HPV vaccine effectiveness Denmark cervical cancer quadrivalent cohort· PubMed → Found PMID 30892587 (Verdoodt 2020 dose-related CIN3+).HPV vaccination population-level impact systematic review meta-analysis Drolet 2019· PubMed → Found PMID 31255301 (Drolet 2019 Lancet).cervical cancer 5-year relative survival by stage SEER· PubMed → Found PMID 41514315 (Wang 2026 SEER 2000-2021) via a follow-up search on US incidence/survival.anal cancer incidence trends United States HPV-associated cancers 2015-2019 MMWR· PubMed → No hit; found PMID 31437140 (Senkomago 2019 MMWR 2012-2016) via a later search.genital warts incidence population-based before HPV vaccination· PubMed → Found PMID 22815381 (Leval 2012 Sweden), 33048118 (Baandrup 2021 one-dose warts), 37516572 (Nygard 2023 Norway).recurrent respiratory papillomatosis incidence HPV vaccination Australia· PubMed → Found PMID 29136168 (Novakovic 2018).HPV vaccine effectiveness HIV-positive women cervical lesions cohort· PubMed → Found PMID 29369827 (Liu 2018 HIV and HPV natural history meta-analysis); no vaccine effectiveness study in HIV-positive women.HPV-associated cancers United States annual number MMWR Senkomago· PubMed → Found PMID 31437140.cervical cancer mortality trends United States age-adjusted· PubMed → Found PMID 41514315 (Wang 2026).HPV vaccine effectiveness Costa Rica long-term 11 years single dose Kreimer· PubMed → No hit under that wording; CVT 7-year (28954299) used.quadrivalent HPV vaccine efficacy adult women 24 to 45 years randomised· PubMed → Found PMID 21629249 (Castellsague 2011 FUTURE III end-of-study).HPV-16/18 AS04 vaccine women older than 25 years efficacy randomised· PubMed → Found PMID 27373900 (VIVIANE 7-year).HPV vaccine effectiveness people living with HIV· PubMed → Found PMID 38749552 (Falcaro 2024 England deprivation) incidentally; no HIV effectiveness study.single-dose HPV vaccination Costa Rica ESCUDDO trial efficacy· PubMed → Found PMID 41337735 (Kreimer 2025 NEJM ESCUDDO).quadrivalent HPV vaccine efficacy men external genital lesions Giuliano randomized· PubMed → Found PMID 21288094 (Giuliano 2011 NEJM).Cecolin bivalent HPV vaccine efficacy China randomized· PubMed → Found PMID 40893604 (Zhao 2025 10-year extension).CDC Pink Book chapter 11 Human Papillomavirus· websource → Cached as web:cdc-gov-a6b0596397.WHO HPV vaccine position paper December 2022· websource → Landing page cached (who-int-ea2109b02f) but contains navigation only; the PDF was not retrieved.