There are over 100 types of human papillomavirus (HPV). It is estimated that approximately 20 million Americans are infected with HPV at any given time and both women and men can transmit the infection.

However, cancers caused by HPV are more common in women than men. New vaccines are being evaluated for the prevention of HPV infections and related diseases such as cervical cancer and genital warts.

The vaccines will be most effective when administered before a person becomes sexually active. In the next few years, it is likely that therapy for HPV infections will shift from those aimed at treatment to those aimed at prevention. More research is needed to determine who should receive the vaccine and when it should be administered. The duration of the vaccine's protection and whether a booster dose will need to be administered are unknown.

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