HPV Vaccine: Who Should Get It, the Shot Schedule, and How Well It Protects
Updated: 6 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer: What is the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is a series of two or three shots that protects against human papillomavirus types that cause cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal and throat cancers, plus genital warts. It works best before any sexual contact, so it is routinely given at ages 11–12 and offered from 9 up to 45. [1]
What the research says
Vaccination is linked to far fewer cervical cancers. In a national study of 1,672,983 girls and women aged 10–30, cervical cancer occurred in 47 per 100,000 vaccinated women versus 94 per 100,000 unvaccinated; risk was about 88% lower when the vaccine was given before age 17. (Lei et al., N Engl J Med, 2020) [2]
Whole populations benefit within a decade. Pooling 65 studies from 14 countries (60 million people), HPV 16/18 infections fell 83% in girls aged 13–19, genital warts fell 67% in girls and 48% in boys aged 15–19, and high-grade cervical changes fell 51% after 5–9 years of vaccination programs. (Drolet et al., Lancet, 2019) [3]
Strong protection, no rise in serious harms. Across 26 trials with 73,428 participants, high-grade precancer caused by HPV 16/18 dropped from 164 to 2 per 10,000 in young women without prior infection, and serious side effects were similar in vaccinated and control groups (656 vs 669 per 10,000). (Arbyn et al., Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2018) [4]
Key takeaways
The vaccine prevents new HPV infections; it does not treat an infection you already have. [1]
Two shots are enough if the first dose is given at ages 9–14; three shots are needed from age 15 or with a weakened immune system. [1]
The 9-strain vaccine covers the HPV types behind about 90% of cervical cancers. [1]
Side effects are usually mild and short-lived, such as a sore arm or headache. [1]
Vaccinated people with a cervix still need regular Pap and HPV tests. [1]
What is HPV, and why does a vaccine matter?
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very common sexually transmitted infection that spreads through skin-to-skin contact, and most sexually active people will catch it at some point. [1]
About 40 HPV types can spread through sex. Around 80% of sexually active people will have an HPV infection during their lives. [1]
A healthy immune system clears most infections. Some, however, stay in the body and slowly turn into cancer. [1] Most cervical cancers and cancers of the genitals are linked to HPV. Other types cause genital warts. [1]
For a full overview of the infection itself, read our guide to HPV infection, warts and treatment.
What does the HPV vaccine protect against?
The HPV vaccine protects against infections with the HPV types most likely to cause cancer or genital warts. [1]
Condition | Who it affects | Learn more |
Cervical cancer | People with a cervix | |
Vaginal and vulvar cancer | People with a vagina/vulva | |
Penile cancer | People with a penis | — |
Anal cancer | Everyone | |
Throat (oropharyngeal) cancer | Everyone | |
Genital warts | Everyone |
HPV types are grouped into two kinds. High-risk types can lead to cancer. Low-risk types do not raise cancer risk but can cause warts. [1]
Which HPV types does the HPV vaccine cover?
The current HPV vaccine covers nine HPV types: seven high-risk types linked to cancer and two low-risk types that cause most genital warts. [1] Since 2017, this 9-strain vaccine has been the only one used in the United States. [1]
HPV types | Risk level | What they cause |
16 and 18 | High-risk | About 70% of cervical cancers, 90% of anal cancers, and many throat and genital cancers |
31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 | High-risk | About another 20% of cervical cancers |
6 and 11 | Low-risk | About 90% of genital warts (not cancer) |
Two older vaccines are still used in some countries, and many people received them in the past. [1]
Vaccine | Available since | Types covered | Protects against warts? |
9-strain vaccine | 2014 | 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58 | Yes |
4-strain vaccine | 2006 | 6, 11, 16, 18 | Yes |
2-strain vaccine | 2009 | 16, 18 | No |
The 9-strain vaccine covers HPV types behind about 90% of cervical cancers, compared with about 70% for the older 4-strain vaccine. [1]
Who should get the HPV vaccine?
Everyone, of any sex, should get the HPV vaccine before they are exposed to HPV through sexual activity. [1]
Age group | Recommendation |
9–10 years | Can safely start the vaccine |
11–12 years | Routine vaccination (part of the childhood schedule) |
13–26 years | Recommended, including anyone who started but did not finish the series |
27–45 years | Some adults may benefit — decide with your doctor |
In 2018, the approved age range was extended from 26 to 45, because studies showed the vaccine also prevented infections in this older group. [1]
Why does the vaccine have an age limit? Most adults have already had sex and may have been exposed to several HPV types. The vaccine cannot undo past exposure, so the benefit becomes smaller with age. [1] Insurance may also stop covering it after age 26 or 45. [1]
Even so, a middle-aged adult with few or no past partners who is starting a new relationship may still benefit. Your doctor can advise you based on your sexual history. [1]
Who should not get the HPV vaccine?
You should not get the HPV vaccine, or should wait, if you are pregnant, had a reaction to an earlier dose, or are moderately to severely ill. [1]
Pregnancy. Safety data during pregnancy are limited, so it is best to vaccinate after the baby is born. If you find out you are pregnant after a dose, there is no need to worry; the vaccine is not linked to pregnancy complications. [1]
Past reaction or allergy. Tell your doctor about any reaction to a previous HPV shot or its ingredients, and about severe allergies, including to yeast or latex. [1]
Moderate to severe illness. You may need to wait until you are well. [1]
How does the HPV vaccine work?
The HPV vaccine works by training your immune system to make antibodies against HPV, using a harmless copy of the virus rather than the live virus. [1] If you are later exposed to the real virus, these antibodies stop it from causing an infection. [1]
What is the HPV vaccine schedule?
The HPV vaccine schedule is two or three shots, depending on your age at the first dose. [1]
Age at first dose | Number of shots | Timing |
9–14 years | 2 | Second shot 6–12 months after the first |
15 years and older | 3 | Second shot 1–2 months after the first; third shot 6 months after the first |
Weakened immune system (any age) | 3 | Same as the 3-shot schedule |
Starting young gives the strongest immune response and the best protection, which is why only two shots are needed before age 15. [1]
How well does the HPV vaccine work, and how long does it last?
The HPV vaccine is highly effective: since it became widely available in 2006, cervical cancer rates have been falling, and infections linked to cancer and genital warts have dropped by more than 80%. [1]
Protection is long-lasting, and no booster shot is needed. [1]
Vaccine | Proven protection so far |
4-strain vaccine (since 2006) | 10+ years |
2-strain vaccine (since 2009) | 10+ years |
9-strain vaccine (since 2014) | At least 6 years |
Researchers continue to track protection over time. [1]
Why is the HPV vaccine important for boys and men?
The HPV vaccine is important for boys and men because it prevents throat, anal and penile cancers and genital warts, and it helps protect their partners. [1]
Vaccine approval for males came in 2011, and vaccination rates in men are still low, even as HPV-related throat cancers are rising in this group. [1] Learn more in our guide to throat cancer and the HPV connection.
Vaccination also helps stop males from passing high-risk HPV types to an unvaccinated partner with a cervix, lowering that partner's risk of cervical cancer. [1]
What are the side effects of the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is safe, and its side effects are usually mild and brief. [1] Your provider will watch you for a short time after the shot before you go home. [1]
Common side effect | What to expect |
Sore, swollen or red arm | At the injection site |
Headache or tiredness | Short-lived |
Muscle or joint pain | Short-lived |
Dizziness | Short-lived |
Fever | Usually mild |
Nausea | Short-lived |
Severe allergic reaction | Rare |
There are no known long-term side effects. [1]
Do you still need Pap tests after the HPV vaccine?
Yes, anyone with a cervix still needs regular Pap and HPV tests after the HPV vaccine, because no vaccine covers every high-risk HPV type. [1] Screening finds cervical changes early, when they can be cured. [1] Our cervical cancer guide explains how screening works.
What myths stop people from getting the HPV vaccine?
The main myths that stop people from getting the HPV vaccine are that it only matters for cervical cancer and that it encourages early sex — neither is true. [1]
Myth | Fact |
"It only protects against cervical cancer, so men don't need it." | It also prevents throat, penile and anal cancers and genital warts. [1] |
"Vaccinating my child will encourage them to have sex." | No research supports this. The decision to become sexually active is far more complex than a single vaccine. [1] |
"It isn't safe." | Most people have only mild, short-lived side effects; people allergic to its ingredients should not get it. [1] |
Choosing to delay often comes from love and concern. But vaccinating early protects your child for the future, when they are ready for healthy adult relationships. [1] For more on sexually transmitted infections, see our STDs guide.
Conclusion
The HPV vaccine is one of the most powerful tools we have against cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. It works best when given at ages 11–12, before any sexual contact, and needs only two shots at that age. Adults up to 45 who were never vaccinated, or who did not finish the series, may still benefit. And after vaccination, regular cervical screening still matters. [1]
Your next step: If you are a parent, ask your child's doctor about the HPV vaccine at the next visit. If you are an adult aged 45 or younger and were never vaccinated, bring this page to your doctor and ask whether the vaccine could help you. Then explore our related guides on HPV infection and cervical cancer screening to stay informed.
FAQ
What is the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is a series of shots that protects against the HPV types that cause most cervical, anal, throat and genital cancers, as well as genital warts. It prevents new infections but does not treat existing ones.
At what age should you get the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is routinely given at ages 11 to 12, and children can start as early as age 9. It is recommended up to age 26, and some adults aged 27 to 45 may benefit after talking with their doctor.
How many doses of the HPV vaccine do you need?
The HPV vaccine needs two doses if the first is given at ages 9 to 14, with the second 6 to 12 months later. From age 15, or with a weakened immune system, three doses are needed.
Is the HPV vaccine safe?
The HPV vaccine is safe, and most side effects are mild and short-lived, such as a sore arm, headache or tiredness. Severe allergic reactions are rare, and there are no known long-term side effects.
Should you get the HPV vaccine if you already have HPV?
The HPV vaccine cannot clear an HPV type you already have, but it can protect you from types you have not caught yet. Whether it is worth it depends on your sexual history, so talk it through with your doctor.
Does the HPV vaccine need a booster?
The HPV vaccine does not need a booster. Protection has lasted more than 10 years for the older vaccines and at least 6 years so far for the 9-strain vaccine.
Do you still need Pap tests after the HPV vaccine?
Pap and HPV tests are still needed after the HPV vaccine for anyone with a cervix, because no vaccine covers every high-risk HPV type. Screening catches cervical changes early, when they are curable.
Should men get the HPV vaccine?
Men should get the HPV vaccine because it prevents throat, anal and penile cancers and genital warts. It also helps protect their partners from HPV types that cause cervical cancer.
Which HPV vaccine is used in the United States?
Gardasil 9 is the HPV vaccine used in the United States. It protects against nine HPV types, including the ones that cause most HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
Who should not get the HPV vaccine?
You should not get the vaccine, or should wait, if you had a severe reaction to an earlier dose, are pregnant or are moderately to severely ill. Ask your provider if you are unsure.
Further reading
National Cancer Institute. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine (fact sheet). Updated June 1, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-vaccine-fact-sheet
American Cancer Society. Prevent 6 Cancers with the HPV Vaccine. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/hpv/hpv-vaccine.html
Related Reading
Vaccines: How They Work, Types, Safety and Side Effects explains how vaccines work and why they matter.
References
Cleveland Clinic. HPV Vaccine: Age, Schedule, Importance & Side Effects. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated November 9, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21613-hpv-vaccine
Lei J, Ploner A, Elfström KM, et al. HPV Vaccination and the Risk of Invasive Cervical Cancer. N Engl J Med. 2020;383(14):1340-1348. PMID 32997908. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1917338
Drolet M, Bénard É, Pérez N, et al. Population-level impact and herd effects following the introduction of human papillomavirus vaccination programmes: updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet. 2019;394(10197):497-509. PMID 31255301. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)30298-3
Arbyn M, Xu L, Simoens C, et al. Prophylactic vaccination against human papillomaviruses to prevent cervical cancer and its precursors. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;5(5):CD009069. PMID 29740819. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009069.pub3
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general education only and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor about whether the HPV vaccine is right for you or your child.
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