State the specific HPV type primarily associated with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas and effectively targeted by current preventative vaccines.

The specific human papillomavirus (HPV) type primarily associated with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs) and effectively targeted by current preventative vaccines is HPV-16. Human papillomavirus is a common virus that can infect the skin and mucous membranes. Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas are a type of cancer that develops in the oropharynx, which includes the tonsils, base of the tongue, and soft palate. HPV-16 is classified as a high-risk HPV type due to its strong association with these cancers and is responsible for the vast majority of HPV-positive OPSCCs. Current preventative HPV vaccines are immunizations designed to prevent infection with specific HPV types, including HPV-16, thereby significantly reducing the risk of developing HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas.