Age at first intercourse and HPV immunization

The recent licence of the first human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) by EMEA has opened the debate in many countries about the most appropriate policy and, in particular, the age for a mandatory immunization. Important aspects to be considered are: beginning of sexual activity – and therefore of potential exposure to the infection – organizational issues, possibility to perform information campaigns, immunogenicity of the vaccine at different ages. In particular, in Italy, the HPV vaccination could be administered with Td or MMR booster doses, administered by the National Health Service between the ages of 12 and 15 according to different Regional guidelines.