Vaccination against sexually transmitted infections

Abstract

Purpose of review 

This review discusses the vaccines available for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and focuses on the contribution of these vaccines to the control of three infections: hepatitis A, hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV).

Recent findings 

Hepatitis A is an STI in men who have sex with men (MSM). The introduction of the vaccine has resulted in the almost complete disappearance of epidemics of infection despite vaccine coverage of only 30–50% in MSM. In contrast hepatitis B infection sexual transmission both in MSM and heterosexuals continues at low but significant levels despite similar vaccine coverage. The two HPV vaccines are highly effective for the HPV types they contain, and for some related HPV types. Countries using the quadrivalent vaccine have experienced dramatic falls in genital warts in younger women, and to a lesser degree in heterosexual men but not homosexual men.

Summary 

Vaccines for hepatitis A, B and HPV have been highly effective in controlling STI at a community level.