Women think they can skip Pap smears after HPV vaccination

Researchers from the University of Sydney say HPV vaccination campaigns "may need to further emphasise that continued cervical screening is vital," and also provide more education to dispel other misunderstandings about HPV. In a survey of 160 female university students in Women's Health Issues (21:71), more than half had never heard of HPV, and few understood how it was spread. Most of the women were receptive to the idea of HPV vaccination after receiving an information session about HPV, but many were concerned about the cost, and two thirds wanted a single injection rather than a course of three. However, 40% did not believe it was important to have the vaccine before becoming sexually active, and almost 20% did not think it was important to continue Pap smear screening after having the vaccine "Given this response in a highly educated sample, it may be expected that this number would be even higher in the general population. Thus, HPV vaccination campaigns may need to further emphasise that continued cervical screening is vital, especially in sexually active women who may have been exposed to the virus before vaccination."

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