Human papillomavirus vaccines are vaccines that prevent infection by certain types of human papillomavirus. Available HPV vaccines protect against either two, four, or nine types of HPV. All HPV vaccines protect against at least HPV types 16 and 18, which cause the greatest risk of cervical cancer. Currently, all genital HPV infections cannot be prevented except by abstinence and lifetime mutual monogamy. There is no clear evidence that barrier methods of contraception, most notably use of condoms, confer protection against HPV infection.  HPV vaccination is for the primary prevention of carcinoma cervix. A cost-effective second-generation HPV vaccine is needed for developing countries to address various issues specific to the region. However, till such time, secondary prevention through periodic cervical cancer screening should be in place to use the existing infrastructure and cost-effective screening methods such as Pap smear and HPV DNA tests. There is no risk of getting an HPV infection from the vaccine as the vaccine does not contain live virus. HPV vaccination and regular cervical screening is the most effective way to prevent cervical cancer.