We analysed country recommendations and funding plans finalized through January 2008 for the inclusion of quadrivalent and bivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines in national immunization programmes. Fifteen industrialized countries have recommended HPV vaccine use based on careful review of scientific evidence and cost-effectiveness. There was a strong consensus among the guidelines regarding assessment of vaccine safety and efficacy, selection of primary target populations for vaccination, vaccine delivery strategies, and the need for vaccinated females to seek cervical cancer screening. The analysis informs ongoing discussions in several countries considering HPV vaccines for national immunization programmes and discussions at the World Health Organization about global recommendations for HPV vaccine use for national immunization programmes.