Final answer:
HPV vaccines like Gardasil and Cervarix offer protection against the types of HPV most commonly associated with cervical cancer and genital warts. They are recommended for preteens but can be administered to young adults, with evidence suggesting long-lasting efficacy of at least 10 years or more.
Step-by-step explanation:
HPV vaccines, such as Gardasil and Cervarix, are designed to protect against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for a large percentage of cervical cancers as well as genital warts. It is recommended that girls and boys receive the vaccine between the ages of 11 and 12, with catch-up vaccinations available through age 21 for males and 26 for females. Studies have indicated that the vaccine can significantly reduce the prevalence of the targeted HPV strains. For example, Gardasil targets HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18, responsible for most genital warts and around 70% of cervical cancer cases, while Gardasil 9 adds protection against an additional five high-risk HPV types. Once administered, the efficacy of the HPV vaccine is expected to be long-lasting, though specific duration is still being investigated, researchers suggest ongoing protection for at least a decade and potentially much longer, as booster shots are not currently recommended.