Immunogenicity of the 9‐Valent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine in Occupationally‐Exposed Adults

ABSTRACT Objective HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection and has a well‐established role in the pathogenesis of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). HPV DNA is detectable in surgical smoke, and case reports have linked occupational exposure to laryngeal papillomatosis in healthcare workers. In 2026 a joint European Laryngological Society/Union of European Phoniatricians Delphi consensus agreed that occupational exposure is plausible and that vaccination should be offered to workers at risk, but stronger recommendations were not issued due to absence of transmission and immunogenicity data. Immunogenicity data in adults over 26—particularly men—remain minimal in the literature. Methods In a single‐center prospective study, 9‐valent HPV vaccine naïve operating room staff and surgeons within otolaryngology, general surgery, urology, and obstetrics‐gynecology aged 27–69 were recruited to receive the standard three‐dose 9‐valent vaccine. Antibody titers for HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 were measured at baseline (Month 0) and after the completion of their vaccine series (Month 7). Results Of 33 enrolled adults, 21 completed the study (18 male, 3 female; mean age 36 years, range 27–61; 4 aged > 45 years). At Month 7, all 21 seroconverted for all nine types of HPV (100% seroconversion). Conclusion The 9‐valent HPV vaccine produced 100% seroconversion in a predominantly older, male, occupationally‐exposed cohort that has been under‐represented in prior research. This data suggests that offering vaccination to at‐risk workers, addressing the immunogenicity gap identified by the ELS/UEP consensus. Level of Evidence 3.