Efficacy of the Nonavalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine in Female Sex Workers:The HVFSW Study, a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

[Layman’s summary] Cervical cancer is an important public health concern. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can be sexually transmitted, and the vast majority of the population will ever get exposed during their lifespan. Vaccination against HPV is an effective and safe way to prevent cervical cancer, especially for people who have never been infected with HPV. However, whether the vaccine is also effective in populations who may have been previously infected with HPV (e.g., female sex workers), is not clear. We, therefore, propose a study which aims to understand the effect of HPV vaccination on the prevention of cervical precancers and cancers in female sex workers. [Key points] - What is the impact of the one-dose, two-dose and three-dose application of the HPV vaccine in FSWs to prevent persistent cervical infection? - How many FSWs choose to get an HPV vaccine?