When to Get the HPV Vaccine

HPV Vaccination Timing: When to Get the HPV Shot

HPV Vaccination Timing for Children Younger Than 15 Years Old

Most children will get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12. The vaccine is recommended for both boys and girls and is part of the routine childhood vaccine schedule. Most children should get their first HPV shot before their 15th birthday.

The second HPV shot is given six to 12 months after the first dose.

HPV Vaccination Timing for Children 15 Years and Older

People who get their first HPV shot after their 15th birthday need three doses. The second shot is administered a month or two after the first, and the third shot is given six months after the first shot.

Dosage Guidelines for Immunocompromised Children

Children—no matter their age—need to get three doses of the HPV vaccine.

HPV Vaccination Timing for Adults

The HPV vaccine is recommended for people up to age 26. People ages 27 to 45 can talk with their healthcare provider about whether the vaccine is right for them. If you receive the vaccine as an adult, you will receive three doses. The second shot is administered a month or two after the first, and the third shot is given six months after the first shot.

Vaccine Efficacy At Preteen Age

The HPV vaccine is very effective at preventing cancers caused by HPV, especially cervical cancer. Females who get the HPV vaccine by age 13 are 87% less likely…of HPV. Have conversations with all sexual partners about your HPV status while keeping in mind that 80% of people have been exposed to HPV.

Summary

The best time to get the HPV vaccine is before becoming sexually active. Children will get their first dose at age 11 or 12. It’s recommended that anyone 26 years old or younger get the HPV vaccine if they haven’t already received a full round of vaccination (which involves two to three shots, depending on age).

Beyond age 26, it’s not clear how helpful the vaccine is, since 80% of adults have already been exposed to the HPV virus. However, people as old as 45 can still get the HPV vaccine. Discuss vaccination with your healthcare provider if you’re considering it as an adult.

Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV vaccination recommendations.
• Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center. HPV vaccine age limit: You might not be too old — What you should know.
• Senkomago V, Henley SJ, Thomas CC, Mix JM, Mark LE, Mary Sarah. Human papillomavirus–attributable cancers — United States, 2012–2016. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2019. DOI: 10.15585/mm6833a3
• MD Anderson Cancer Center. I have HPV. Now what?
• Harvard Chan School of Public Health. HPV vaccines for adults over age 26 may not be cost-effective.

Author Bio

Kelly Burch is a New Hampshire-based health writer with a bachelor’s degree in communications from Boston University.