The human papillomavirus (HPV), if unrecognized and untreated, can lead to cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in women, and is responsible for taking the lives of 240,000 women worldwide each year. In the United States, 10 women die of cervical cancer every day.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is selected by the secretary of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide advice and guidance on the control of vaccine-preventable diseases. The ACIP has recommended that all women ages 11-26 receive the HPV vaccine to reduce the incidence of genital warts, HPV infections, and cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is a three dose (injection) vaccine.