HPV Vaccine Recommendations: Your Shot at Preventing Cervical Cancer

Content medically reviewed by Heather Sandness Nelson, MD

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is responsible for nearly all cervical cancer cases in the United States. This common STI can also cause other conditions, including genital warts and cancers of the vulva, mouth, throat, and anus. Fortunately, you have a way to protect yourself from HPV. By following HPV vaccine recommendations, you can reduce your risk for cervical cancer.

To protect against the spread of HPV, the HPV vaccine series can be started for boys and girls as early as age 9 and can be administered until the age of 45.

HPV Can Impact Almost Everybody

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates more than 42 million people in the United States are currently infected with HPV, and approximately 13 million people in the U.S., including teens, contract an infection each year. Engaging in sexual activity increases the risk of getting an HPV infection. 

A majority of HPV infections clear on their own, however, some HPV infections can fail to clear and become a persistent infection. When this happens, you can develop abnormalities on your cervix, or warts on your genitals, mouth, or throat.

Getting screened regularly for HPV-related complications can help your doctor identify these issues early so they can be treated. This can be done during a well-woman visit as part of your pelvic exam.

“HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer,” said Dr. Heather Sandness Nelson, an OB/GYN with Essentia Health. “Regular well-woman visits can detect the HPV virus and the changes it can cause, including the risk for cervical cancer. Women should get screened starting at age 21, regardless of sexual activity.”

[H2] HPV Vaccination Is Cancer Prevention 

While HPV screening can detect the infection and allow doctors to monitor or treat it, a series of HPV vaccines can prevent more than 90% of cancers that can be attributed to HPV. 

“Women shouldn’t die from cervical cancer in the U.S. because it’s preventable,” Sandness Nelson said. “Detection and prevention are important, but the best method of protection by far is the HPV vaccine.” 

HPV vaccination can protect children and young adults long before they ever have contact with the virus. Follow these vaccination guidelines to prevent HPV infections –

1. The CDC recommends two doses of HPV vaccine between ages 11 and 12. HPV vaccines can be given starting at age 9.
2. Individuals who receive their first dose before the age of 15 only need two doses. The second dose should be given 6 to 12 months after the first dose.
3. Individuals who receive their first dose after the age of 15 need three doses. The second dose is given 2 months after the first, and the third dose should be given 6 months after the first.
4. The HPV vaccine is approved for individuals through the age of 45.

Proven Safe & Highly Effective 

Like all vaccines used in the U.S., HPV vaccines undergo extensive safety testing before they’re licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). During clinical trials, the 9-valent HPV vaccine, Gardasil 9, was studied in more than 15,000 males and females and was found to be safe and effective. Like any other medication, the HPV vaccine can cause mild reactions—the most common are pain or redness where the shot is given. Although rare, a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can occur. 

Near Total Protection

Research has shown the vaccine prevents more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV and 90% of genital warts.

Since the initial recommendation of HPV vaccination in 2006, infections with HPV strains responsible for most HPV-related cancers and genital warts have decreased by 88% among teen girls and 81% among young adult women. Additionally, in vaccinated women, the prevalence of cervical pre-cancers caused by the HPV strains most commonly linked to cervical cancer has dropped by 40%.