Two new viral vaccines have recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is intended to reduce infection with the most common HPV types that cause anogenital disease, including cervical cancer and genital warts. Herpes zoster (HZ) vaccine is intended to prevent shingles and its complications. The use of these two vaccines will immediately begin to impact dermatologic practice throughout the world and will reduce the healthcare burden associated with the diseases caused by the two viruses. The following review summarizes the relevant pathophysiology and epidemiology of genital warts, cervical neoplasia, and herpes zoster and describes the recent trials that have demonstrated efficacy and safety of the HPV and HZ vaccines.

Following the completion of this learning activity, the participant will be able to describe the mechanisms of HPV and varicella zoster virus infection as well as pathogenesis, identify key aspects of the immune system involved in clearing the infection, and prescribe HPV and HZ vaccines for prevention of disease.