Abstract
Objective: Review the literature highlighting the importance and main benefits of vaccination for the reduction of premalignant lesions of cervical cancer. Bibliographic review: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes infections that are propellants of intra-epithelial lesions and that can lead to cervical cancer, being the neoplasia with the highest incidence and mortality in females. The infection occurs through sexual contact and Pap smear is the main diagnostic test, detecting precancerous lesions. The main prophylaxis against HPV is vaccination, which has shown a considerable reduction in precursor lesions in the target population of countries that have adopted the vaccine, demonstrating its effectiveness. The feeling of protection provided by vaccination coverage over the years, however, has resulted in neglect and a certain resistance to vaccination. In addition, the lack of knowledge of young women and their families about the safety, benefits and adverse effects of the vaccine act as barriers to full adherence to vaccination in the country. Final considerations: It aims at the importance and results of vaccine prophylaxis in gynecology and obstetrics, making it essential to understand the social relevance of this immunization as a public health issue.