Vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in Vulnerable Populations – Sexual Minorities

Abstract

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most frequent sexually transmitted infections worldwide, causing cancers including cervical cancer and diseases such as genital warts and oral papillomatosis, these diseases affect both men and women. HPV vaccination has been one of the main tools to decrease the burden of HPV disease. In many countries, national vaccination programs do not provide for their application to boys, men, as well as adults, although their efficacy and immunogenicity has been demonstrated. There are vulnerable populations such as the LGBTTTIQA population (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transvestite, Intersex, Queer and Asexual) in which HPV immunization should be emphasized since they present greater risks of infection and, they face not only social stigmatization but also often that coming from medical services resulting in cases with more advanced cancers and little primary prevention. When talking about sexual and reproductive health, points of inequity that require their resolution must be analyzed, initiating this, from a bioethical analysis.