In what year was the HPV vaccine made available to the public?

The HPV vaccine was made available to the public in 2006. This vaccine, specifically Gardasil, was the first to be approved for the prevention of cervical cancer caused by the human papillomavirus, which is a significant public health achievement. The availability of the vaccine in 2006 marked a turning point in vaccination strategies against sexually transmitted infections, particularly those linked to HPV. It is crucial for nursing and healthcare professionals to be aware of the timeline of vaccines' availability as it informs patient education and vaccination recommendations. Understanding the introduction year helps in discussing HPV vaccination with patients, especially regarding its efficacy and importance in preventing certain cancers and genital warts.