The Committee on Adolescent Health Care released a Committee Opinion in September 2010 pertaining to the
human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. This opinion provides information about both the bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended that HPV vaccination routinely be given to girls when they are 11 years or 12 years old. The vaccine can be given to individuals as young as 9 years; catch-up vaccination is recommended in females aged 13 years through 26 years. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists endorses these recommendations. Health care providers are encouraged to discuss with their patients the benefits and limitations of the HPV vaccine and the need for routine cervical cytology screening for those aged 21 years and older.