Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which can invade the epithelial cells of the skin and mucous membrane, has been associated with malignancy or cancers.

HPV can infect both males and females of any age. To prevent HPV infections and their progression to cancers, HPV vaccination has been introduced worldwide. The vaccine is recommended for all adolescents, as well as adults through age 26 years who were not fully vaccinated already.

Currently there are 2 types of HPV vaccines available in Indonesia: bivalent and quadrivalent. The bivalent vaccine protects against the infection of 2 types of HPV (types 16 and 18), which are the main cause of cervical cancer. The quadrivalent vaccine targets 4 types of HPV (types 6, 11, 16, and 18), which cause cervical cancer and anogenital warts.

Cervical cancer is the most common type of cancer caused by HPV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends HPV vaccination at age 11-12 years, with two doses given 6 to 12 months apart, as it has been proven to protect against cervical cancer in later life. The vaccine can also be given from as early as age 9.

In addition to protection against cervical cancer in women, HPV vaccine can also prevent genital warts, genital cancer, anal cancer, and mouth, throat, head and neck cancers in both men and women. Therefore, HPV vaccination is recommended for everyone from age 9 through 26.