HPV-Related Warts (Option C)
A vaccine is available for HPV-related warts—specifically, the quadrivalent and 9-valent HPV vaccines protect against HPV types 6 and 11, which cause approximately 90% of genital warts. 1, 2
Vaccine Details
The HPV vaccines available in the United States include:
- 9-valent HPV vaccine (9vHPV): Currently the only HPV vaccine available in the U.S. as of January 2017, protecting against HPV types 6,11,16,18,31,33,45,52, and 58 1
- Quadrivalent HPV vaccine (4vHPV): Previously available, protected against HPV types 6,11,16, and 18 2
Both the quadrivalent and 9-valent vaccines specifically target HPV types 6 and 11, which are responsible for 90% of genital warts 1, 3. The vaccines are highly effective—97% effective in preventing disease related to vaccine-type HPV 1.
Vaccination Recommendations
Current ACIP recommendations include 4:
- Routine vaccination at ages 11-12 years (can start at age 9)
- 2-dose series for those initiating vaccination before age 15
- Catch-up vaccination for all persons through age 26 years
- Shared clinical decision-making for adults aged 27-45 years
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
Herpes simplex virus (Option A): No vaccine is currently available. Despite ongoing research efforts, there are no FDA-approved vaccines for HSV-1 or HSV-2 5, 6, 7.
Gonorrhea (Option B): No vaccine exists. While promising candidates are being investigated in pre-clinical trials, no effective vaccine has been developed due to historically lower research investment given the availability of antibiotic treatments 8, 7.
Chlamydia (Option D): No vaccine is available. Research is ongoing but no vaccine candidates have reached clinical approval 8, 7.
Syphilis (Option E): No vaccine exists. Despite being a bacterial STI with increasing rates, no effective vaccine has been developed 8, 7.