Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease. HPV can cause skin warts, genital warts, or certain cancers, depending on the type of HPV. Vaccines are available to protect against many of the HPV strains that can cause genital warts and cancer. However, use of the HPV vaccine does not eliminate the need for continued Papanicolaou (Pap) test screening because some cervical cancers are caused by HPV types not included in the vaccine.
For more information, see Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Vaccine Recommendations and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Information.
(See also Overview of Immunization.)