New Data Reinforce Decades-Long Protection of Recombinant HPV Vaccines Against HPV-Related Cancers

Nearly 2 decades after the FDA approved the first human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, a growing body of real-world and clinical evidence continues to solidify the long-term protective power of vaccination. New data presented at the EUROGIN International Multidisciplinary HPV Congress 2026 in Vienna, Austria—including findings on Merck's HPV 9-valent vaccine, recombinant (Gardasil9; Merck), and quadrivalent HPV vaccine, recombinant (Gardasil; Merck)—add to the compelling case for early, routine HPV immunization.¹

Landmark Long-Term Efficacy Data

Among the most notable findings presented at EUROGIN 2026 is evidence of sustained vaccine effectiveness at previously unprecedented timeframes. Data from Scandinavian countries demonstrated that the 9-valent HPV vaccine, recombinant, maintains effectiveness against HPV 16/18-related high-grade cervical disease for at least 14 years following a 3-dose series in women aged 16 to 26 at the time of vaccination. Separately, an 18-year follow-up of the FUTURE II (NCT00092534) study evaluating the quadrivalent vaccine across 3 Nordic countries further demonstrated durable immunogenicity and protection against HPV 16/18-related cervical disease.^1,2

These findings align with a growing international evidence base. A 2025 systematic literature review of 54 studies across all 4 licensed HPV vaccines confirmed substantial reductions in the prevalence of oncogenic HPV types and high-grade cervical lesions in countries with high vaccine coverage and national immunization programs. Real-world population data from Scotland also found that the vaccine continues to be effective more than 12 years post-vaccination, with the greatest benefits observed in women vaccinated at ages 12 to 13.^3,4

Expanding Beyond Cervical Cancer: Oropharyngeal Disease and RRP

The EUROGIN 2026 data presentations extended beyond cervical cancer to highlight HPV's role in oropharyngeal cancer and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). Merck presented studies assessing trends in adult- and juvenile-onset RRP incidence from the United States, Denmark, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, as well as comparative modeling of RRP elimination strategies.¹

The oropharyngeal cancer data are particularly significant for practitioners counseling male patients. HPV is responsible for approximately 70% to 80% of oropharyngeal cancers, and US data have shown that these cancers in men now outnumber cervical cancer cases in women. Unlike cervical cancer, there is no early screening equivalent to the Pap smear for oropharyngeal malignancies, underscoring the preventive value of vaccination.⁵

The HPV 9-valent vaccine, recombinant, received FDA approval for the prevention of oropharyngeal and other head and neck cancers caused by HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 under the accelerated approval pathway, with a confirmatory trial ongoing.⁶

Vaccination Coverage Remains Below Target

Despite the accumulating evidence base, US HPV vaccination rates remain suboptimal. As of 2024, 78.2% of eligible adolescents aged 13 to 17 had received at least 1 dose of the HPV vaccine, while only 62.9% were up to date on their vaccination series—still below the Healthy People 2030 target of 80% series completion. Coverage gaps persist across states, with completion rates ranging from approximately 79.8% in Massachusetts to 39.1% in Mississippi.⁷

Global vaccination uptake has shown more encouraging trends. By late 2025, 159 countries—representing 82% of WHO member states—had introduced HPV vaccines into their national programs, covering an estimated 64% of the global population of girls aged 9 to 14.⁸

The Pharmacist's Role in Closing the Gap

Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to increase HPV vaccination rates. As one of the most accessible health care providers, pharmacists can screen vaccination status, administer the vaccine, and counsel patients and caregivers on the long-term benefits of protection—particularly in populations that may not regularly visit a primary care provider.⁵

The HPV 9-valent vaccine, recombinant, is indicated in females and males aged 9 through 45 years. The 2-dose schedule is recommended for individuals 9 through 14 years, while those 15 through 45 years require a 3-dose series at 0, 2, and 6 months. Key counseling points include the importance of completing the full series, initiating vaccination before sexual debut for maximum protection, and the continued need for regular cervical cancer screening even after vaccination.¹

Researchers noted that the data reinforce the long-term effectiveness and importance of HPV vaccination for females ages 9 to 45 years, beginning in adolescence.¹ With new evidence extending demonstrated protection to 14 and 18 years, pharmacists have a powerful, evidence-based message to bring to every eligible patient.

REFERENCES

1. Merck to present new data reinforcing long-term efficacy of GARDASIL®9 and GARDASIL® at the EUROGIN International Multidisciplinary HPV Congress 2026. News release. Merck. March 17, 2026. Accessed April 3, 2026. https://www.merck.com/news/merck-to-present-new-data-reinforcing-long-term-efficacy-of-gardasil9-and-gardasil-at-the-eurogin-international-multidisciplinary-hpv-congress-2026/

2. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasm (CIN) in women (Gardasil) (V501-015) (FUTURE II). ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00092534. Last Updated August 1, 2025. Accessed April 14, 2026. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00092534

3. Harper DM, Navarro-Alonso JA, Bosch FX, et al. Impact of human papillomavirus vaccines in the reduction of infection, precursor lesions, and cervical cancer: A systematic literature review. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2025;21(1):2497608. doi:10.1080/21645515.2025.2497608

4. Palmer TJ, Kavanagh K, Cuschieri K, et al. Sustained impact of bivalent HPV immunization on CIN incidence over two rounds of cervical screening. Int J Cancer. 2026;158(5):1348-1360. doi:10.1002/ijc.70183

5. Brown V, Tsuyuki RT. The pharmacist's role in prevention of HPV-related cancers. Can Pharm J (Ott). 2021;154(4):228-231. doi: 10.1177/17151635211019997

6. FDA adds prevention of oropharyngeal cancer to HPV vaccine label. 2020. Accessed April 3, 2026. https://www.fda.gov/media/150779/download

7. Zeitouni J, Osazuwa-Peters N, Dundar Y et al. Two decades of the HPV vaccine: its promise, progress, prospects, projections, and posterity. The Lancet Regional Health – Americas. 2025;51:101243. doi:10.1016/j.lana.2025.101243

8. Brotherton JML, LaMontagne DS, Bloem PJN. Global status of HPV vaccination two decades in: effective, safe and preventing cancer. Expert Rev Vaccines. 2026;25(1):2609869. doi: 10.1080/14760584.2025.2609869