Abstract

Vaccinations are a cornerstone of primary prevention in pediatric otolaryngology and play a critical role in reducing the burden of pediatric infectious diseases, particularly acute otitis media (AOM) and HPV-related infections. The introduction and widespread use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) have been associated with substantial changes in the epidemiology of pediatric AOM, particularly through reductions in vac-cine-serotype disease and complicated forms, while contributing to changes in pathogen distribution with an increased role of non-vaccine serotypes and non-pneumococcal bac-teria, requiring continuous epidemiological surveillance. Prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in adolescents and young adults effectively prevents oral infection with vaccine-type high-risk HPV, a necessary step in the pathogenesis of HPV-related oropharyngeal carcinoma. Clinical and epidemiological studies demonstrate robust antibody responses and significant reductions in oral HPV prevalence among vaccinated individuals. Although direct evidence of a reduction in oropharyngeal cancer incidence is not yet available, vaccination may consequently reduce the future burden of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers. Long-term surveillance remains essential to confirm this potential benefit. Barriers to optimal vaccine coverage include unequal access, incomplete vaccination uptake, and limited awareness of HPV-related oral disease. In conclusion, vaccinations provide direct and clinically relevant benefits in pediatric otolaryngology by reducing recurrent AOM, severe complications and surgical interventions. HPV vaccination also reduces vaccine-type oral HPV infection and may consequently contribute to reducing the future burden of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers. Achieving high vaccination coverage, coupled with continuous epidemiological monitoring, is essential to maximize individual and public health benefits and to inform the development of vaccines with broader serotype coverage.

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