A person’s age and immune status may determine how many doses of the vaccine they receive.
Age Range for Two Doses
A two-dose regimen is recommended for people ages 9 to 14.
The first dose must be initiated before a person turns 15 to fall under the two-dose schedule.
BURGER / PHANIE / Getty Images
Men relied on herd immunity from women being vaccinated against HPV as their primary method of prevention.
Side Effects
Most vaccines do come with side effects, and the HPV vaccine is no exception.
TheHPV vaccine is not recommended for people over the age of 26.
Both tests are performed the same way by a healthcare provider.
The provider uses a tool called a speculum, which is placed in the vagina to visualize the cervix.
Your provider will use an instrument to collect cells from the cervix.
Regular inspection for genital warts is another way to screen for HPV.
If you think you may have genital warts, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options.
People older than 26 can still receive the vaccine if their healthcare provider determines it is appropriate for them.
A Word From Verywell
The HPV vaccine is an effective tool to help prevent HPV-related cancers.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits of HPV vaccination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes.
Since their introduction in 2006, Gardasil shots have shown to decrease HPV infections by 88%.
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause cancer.
The ideal timeframe for HPV vaccine administration is before a person becomes sexually active.
By age 26, most people have been exposed to HPV and therefore do not benefit from the vaccine.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Reasons to get vaccinated.
NIH National Cancer Institute.Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Cheng L, Wang Y, Du J.Human papillomavirus vaccines: an updated review.Vaccines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B vaccine safety.
2020;5(9):e484-e492.
doi:10.1016/ S2468-2667(20)30139-0
Merck.Gardasil 9: frequently asked questions.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Screening for cervical cancer.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine safety.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HPV vaccine safety and effectiveness.
