The HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine is a 9-valent vaccine, meaning it protects against nine strains of the human papillomavirus, which could lead to various HPV-related cancers or genital warts. Gardasil 9 is the only HPV vaccine available in the US. Other HPV vaccines are available outside the US, but these don’t protect against as many types of HPV as Gardasil 9 does. The HPV vaccine can be given in either 2-dose or 3-dose combinations, depending upon the age at initiation. If the first dose is given before the 15th birthday, only 2 doses are needed. If given at age 15 or later, 3 doses of the HPV vaccine are needed.
HPV vaccination is most effective when given before exposure to the virus, ideally in the preteen years. It’s routinely recommended for all children aged 11–12, and vaccination can begin as early as age 9.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine vaccination at ages 11–12, with vaccination able to begin at age 9.
- The American Cancer Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics also recommend vaccination between ages 9–12.
Vaccination should begin at the earliest opportunity, age 9. Here are a few reasons why it’s important to start early:
- Fewer Shots: Children who begin the HPV vaccine series before their 15th birthday need only two doses. If vaccination starts at age 15 or older, three doses are recommended/required for full protection.
- Stronger Immune Response: The HPV vaccine works best when given at a younger age. A stronger immune response means better and longer-lasting protection against HPV-related cancers.
- Fewer Visits: The HPV vaccine can be given at the same time as the Tdap and meningococcal vaccines, which are also recommended at ages 11–12. This means fewer doctor visits for you and your child.
Catch-up vaccination is recommended for everyone through age 26 if they were not adequately vaccinated earlier.
Adults aged 27–45 may choose to get the HPV vaccine based on a shared clinical decision-making conversation with their healthcare provider. While the vaccine is less effective in this age group (as many may have already been exposed to HPV), it can still offer protection in some cases.
HPV Dosing Schedule
For more detailed recommendations, please refer to the following resources:
- CDC ACIP HPV Vaccination Recommendations
- American Cancer Society – HPV Vaccines
- American Academy of Pediatrics – Human Papillomavirus Vaccines
Click here to learn more about finding and paying for the HPV vaccine!