Control of Genital Warts Is Within Reach . . . but Not in the U.S.

In clinical trials, the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine provides excellent protection against genital warts. Now, Australian investigators have shown high effectiveness of the vaccine in a nationwide program begun in 2007 that has led to routine, free vaccination of women aged 12 to 26.

From 2007 through 2011, rates of new genital-wart diagnoses fell from 11.5% to 0.85% in women younger than 21 and from 11.3% to 3.1% in women aged 21 to 30. Moreover, HPV infection declined by 82% among heterosexual men younger than 21 and by 51% in men aged 21 to 30. Modest declines in men who have sex with men were also noted. No changes in chlamydia incidence were observed.