Preparing for the introduction of HPV vaccine in the WHO European Region

HPV is a common infection: over three quarters of sexually active women are estimated to be infected at least once in their lifetimes. Persistent infection with oncogenic HPV types can cause cervical cancer in women and anogenital cancers in both sexes. HPV vaccines have been developed and are being licensed in many countries in the WHO European Region. Policy-makers and programme managers need to take a position on the target groups for vaccination and if and how HPV vaccines will be integrated into existing or new screening programmes in order to guarantee the maximum impact. This document sets out the strategic principles for decision-making and can be used to facilitate the process.