Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination: Progress, Challenges, and Future Directions in Global Immunization Strategies
Francesco Branda,
Grazia Pavia,
Alessandra Ciccozzi,
Angela Quirino,
Nadia Marascio,
Simona Gigliotti,
Giovanni Matera,
Chiara Romano,
Chiara Locci,
Ilenia Azzena,
Noemi Pascale,
Daria Sanna,
Marco Casu,
Giancarlo Ceccarelli,
Massimo Ciccozzi,
Fabio Scarpa
Affiliations
Francesco Branda
Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy
Grazia Pavia
Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Græcia” University of Catanzaro-“Renato Dulbecco” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Alessandra Ciccozzi
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Angela Quirino
Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Græcia” University of Catanzaro-“Renato Dulbecco” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Nadia Marascio
Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Græcia” University of Catanzaro-“Renato Dulbecco” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Simona Gigliotti
Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Græcia” University of Catanzaro-“Renato Dulbecco” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Giovanni Matera
Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Græcia” University of Catanzaro-“Renato Dulbecco” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Chiara Romano
Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy
Chiara Locci
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Ilenia Azzena
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Noemi Pascale
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Daria Sanna
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Marco Casu
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Giancarlo Ceccarelli
Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
Massimo Ciccozzi
Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy
Fabio Scarpa
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a widespread viral pathogen, responsible for a significant burden of cervical and other cancers worldwide. Over the past decades, the development and widespread adoption of prophylactic HPV vaccines have dramatically reduced the incidence of HPV-related diseases. However, despite the efficacy of these vaccines, global immunization efforts still face several obstacles, including low vaccination coverage in low- and middle-income countries, vaccine hesitancy, and disparities in access to healthcare. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of HPV vaccines, including their mechanisms of action, safety profiles, and real-world efficacy. We will explore the impact of HPV vaccines on cancer prevention, examine the challenges related to vaccine distribution and uptake, and assess the role of public health policies in improving global vaccination rates. Additionally, the review will highlight the latest advancements in therapeutic HPV vaccines, ongoing research into next-generation vaccines, and the potential of HPV vaccination strategies in the context of personalized medicine. By examining these factors, we aim to provide insights into the future directions of HPV vaccination and its role in global public health.
