Update on infectious disease prevention: Human papillomavirus, hepatitis A

ABSTRACT

Key studies on the prevention of human papillomavirus and hepatitis A published during the past year found that:

• A quadrivalent vaccine against human papillomavirus prevents cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, vulvar and vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia, and anogenital disease in young women. The vaccine is likely cost-effective when given to girls, but perhaps not when given to boys.

• Although hepatitis A immune globulin is modestly better than hepatitis A vaccine for postexposure prophylaxis against hepatitis A, both are highly effective. Hepatitis A vaccine is now recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices as the preferred agent in healthy individuals between the ages of 2 and 40.