Final answer:
The vaccines used to prevent HPV infection are Gardasil and Cervarix. They protect against various HPV strains, which are responsible for many cases of cervical cancer. Vaccinations are recommended for boys and girls to be administered before sexual activity begins, optimally at ages 11 to 12.
Step-by-step explanation:
The vaccines used to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are Gardasil® and Cervarix®. Gardasil protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18, with Gardasil 9 covering five additional high-risk types (31, 33, 45, 52, and 58), and Cervarix includes just HPV types 16 and 18. These vaccines are pivotal in preventing cervical cancer and other cancers caused by HPV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the HPV vaccine be administered to all girls and boys between the ages of 11 and 12 years, with catch-up vaccines available through age 21 for males and age 26 for females. It is essential to vaccinate individuals before they become sexually active, as the vaccine is only effective if given before HPV infection occurs.
The availability of these vaccines represents a significant advancement in public health, as they can prevent up to 90 percent of cervical cancer cases. Nonetheless, the high manufacturing cost restricts access to the vaccine globally.