Human papillomavirus HPV  is the most commonly sexually transmitted disease in the United states and the most common cause of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is an inactivated (not live) vaccine which protects against four major types of HPV. These include two types that cause about 70% of cervical cancer and two types that cause about 90% of genital warts.

HPV vaccine gives long-lasting protection but does not protect against all types of  HPV that cause cervical cancer. Women therefore need cervical cancer screening.