The human papillomavirus (HPV) quadrivalent vaocine was licensed in 2006 for prevention of cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers caused by HPV-16 and −18 and genital warts caused by HPV-6 and −11. It is also indicated for prevention of precancerous and dysplastic lesions caused by HPV-6, −11, −16, and −18. Questions exist about the number of women and girls infected with the HPV strains covered by the vaccine, as well as about the vaccine's cost-effectiveness. There are also concerns about the efficacy of the vaccine in girls and young women, the population impact of the vaccine, the duration of protection, and the usefulness of the vaccine in developing countries. Careful consideration should be given to these issues by pharmacy and pharmacy professional organizations. To formulate reasonable healthcare guidelines, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals will need to engage policymakers in conversations concerning the vaccine's merits or limitations and the economic impact.
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