The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has set up a human papilloma virus (HPV) subgroup to examine all safety, efficacy and cost issues relating to HPV vaccines. The subgroup is in the process of examining the evidence concerning the available HPV vaccines, including all the licence indications. The sub group's advice will be reported to the main JCVI committee for further discussion. No decisions will be taken on introducing these vaccines into the immunisation programme until the JCVI has presented its advice to Ministers for their consideration.