Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause cancers later in life. There are more than 100 types of HPV viruses. Some cause infection of the skin and others infect mucous membranes of various areas of the body. Different types of HPV infection affect the body in different ways. For instance, some types of HPV can lead to cancer and others cause warts in the genital area.

Individuals ages 9-26 are eligible for the HPV vaccine. HPV vaccine produces the strongest immune response in preteens and works best when given between ages 9 and 12.

HPV vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. Some adults age 27 - 45 years who were not already vaccinated might choose to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their health care provider about their risk for new HPV infections and possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination of adults provides less benefit, because more people in this age range have been exposed to HPV already.

•  People ages 9 through 14: two doses of the HPV shot are needed, 6-12 months apart
• People ages 15 through 26: three doses of the HPV shot should be given over 6 months

People should not get the HPV vaccine if they

• Have ever had life-threatening allergic reaction to any component of HPV vaccine, or to a previous dose of HPV vaccine
• Are currently pregnant. However, receiving HPV vaccine when pregnant is not cause for alarm. People who started a vaccine series before they learned they were pregnant should complete the series after the pregnancy. People who are breastfeeding may get the vaccine.

People should talk to health care provider before getting HPV vaccine if they

• Have severe allergies, including an allergy to yeast

• Pain, redness, or swelling in the arm where the shot was given
• Dizziness or fainting. Fainting after any vaccination, including HPV vaccine, is more common among adolescents.
• Nausea
• Headache

Yes, the HPV vaccine went through extensive safety testing before being licensed by the FDA in 2006. More than 135 million doses have been given in the US. Scientists and health organizations at CDC, FDA, and around the world closely monitor HPV vaccine safety.

• Vaccines for Tweens, Teens and Young Adults (American Academy of Pediatrics)
• Preteens & Teens Immunization Schedule (CDC & AAP)
• Fact Sheet: HPV Vaccination: Just the Facts (American Cancer Society)
• Fact Sheet: HPV: A Parent’s Guide to Preteen and Teen HPV Vaccination (Immunize.org)
• Fact Sheet: HPV Vaccine Guide for Adults Age 18-26 (Immunize.org)
• Infographic: Protecting Our Children from HPV Cancers (American Cancer Society)
• Infographic: Take a Shot at Cancer! (American Cancer Society)
• Infographic: HPV is More Common Than You Think (American Academy of Pediatrics)
• Video series: Childhood and Adolescent Vaccine Education (American Academy of Pediatrics)