Currently there are nine licensed HPV vaccines: three bivalent, one trivalent, three quadrivalent, and two nonavalent vaccine, of which 5 products have been prequalified by WHO for global markets. 

All vaccines are highly efficacious in preventing infection with virus types 16 and 18, which are together responsible for approximately 77%% of cervical cancer cases globally. Nonavalent vaccines provide additional protection against HPV types 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 and raise the overall protect to >90% of cervical cancer cases.

Quadri- and nonavalent vaccines also contain HPV types 6 and 11 and are highly efficacious in preventing anogenital warts, a common genital disease.

Data from clinical trials and initial post-marketing surveillance conducted in several continents show HPV vaccines to be safe.

The primary target group for HPV vaccination are girls aged 9-14.

As per the December 2022, WHO Position on HPV vaccines, WHO recommends the following schedule:

• A one or two-dose schedule for girls aged 9-14
• A one or two-dose schedule for girls and women aged 15-20
• Two doses with a 6-month interval for women older than 21

A minimum of 2 doses and when feasible 3-doses remain necessary for those known to be immunocompromised and/or HIV-infected.

In October 2026, SAGE reviewed further evidence on dose optimization and has strengthened its recommendation for single dose schedule use and extended use to a wider age group, up to 30 year of age. An updated WHO position paper on HPV vaccine is expected in 2027.