Considerations for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine product choice

Overview

This document summarizes current technical and programmatic information on WHO-prequalified human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine products in order to facilitate informed country choices for HPV vaccine introduction or product switch within immunization programmes. This second edition replaces the original document (28 April 2024).

Since 2009, five HPV vaccine products have been prequalified by WHO. They include three bivalent products (Cecolin®, manufactured by Xiamen Innovax Co. Ltd., and Cervarix™, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, and Walrinvax® manufactured by Walvax Biotechnology  Co. Ltd), one quadrivalent product (Gardasil®, manufactured by Merck Vaccines), and one nonavalent product (Gardasil-9®, manufactured by Merck Vaccines). One quadrivalent product (Cervavac®) is nationally licensed. 

The primary objective of this document is to provide comprehensive information on HPV vaccine products, including scientific evidence, vaccine pricing, presentations, cold chain and storage requirements, single-dose use and more. This information enables countries to compare different HPV vaccine products and make informed decisions regarding the inclusion of HPV vaccine in their national immunization programmes.