The short answer
The HPV vaccine protects against the human papillomavirus types that cause most cervical cancers and several other cancers. It is routinely recommended at ages 11 to 12 and through age 26, with a shared decision for some adults 27 to 45. It has a strong safety record.
The HPV vaccine protects against HPV types that cause most cervical and several other cancers.
It is routinely recommended for children at age 11 or 12 and can start at age 9.
Catch-up vaccination is recommended through age 26 for those not vaccinated earlier.
Some adults 27 to 45 may benefit after a shared decision with their provider.
Choose how you want to understand this
The full explanation.
The simple version
The HPV vaccine helps prevent cancer before it ever starts. It protects against the human papillomavirus (HPV) types that cause most cervical cancers and several other cancers.
The vaccine works best when given early, before a person is ever exposed to HPV. That is why it is routinely recommended for children at age 11 or 12.
The HPV vaccine is one of the few vaccines that can help prevent cancer, and it has a strong safety record.
What the vaccine prevents
HPV is a very common virus. Some types can cause cancer over time. The HPV vaccine protects against the types that cause most HPV-related cancers.
The vaccine can help prevent:
- Cervical cancer
- Anal cancer
- Oropharyngeal (throat) cancer
- Penile cancer
- Vaginal cancer
- Vulvar cancer
It also protects against the HPV types that cause most genital warts. By preventing infection, the vaccine can prevent many of these cancers from ever developing.
Who should get it and when
Timing matters. The vaccine works best when given before a person is exposed to HPV.
Here are the general recommendations:
- Routine age: The vaccine is recommended at age 11 or 12. It can be started as early as age 9.
- Everyone through 26: Catch-up vaccination is recommended for people through age 26 who were not vaccinated earlier.
- Some adults 27 to 45: The vaccine is approved through age 45. It is not routine for this group, but some adults may benefit. This is a shared decision with your provider.
The younger a person is vaccinated, the more protection they usually get.
How many doses
The number of doses depends on age at the first shot.
- People who start before age 15 usually need two doses.
- People who start at age 15 or older usually need three doses.
Your healthcare provider can confirm the right schedule for you or your child.
Is it safe?
Yes. The HPV vaccine has been studied and monitored for safety for more than two decades.
In that time, no serious side effects have been linked to the vaccine. The most common problems are mild and short-lived, such as:
- Soreness at the injection site
- Redness or swelling where the shot was given
These are similar to the mild effects seen with many other vaccines. Health agencies continue to watch vaccine safety closely.
The vaccine does not replace screening
The HPV vaccine is powerful, but it does not protect against every cancer-causing HPV type.
For this reason, people who have been vaccinated should still get cervical cancer screening. Screening can find cell changes early, before they become cancer.
Think of the vaccine and screening as a team. Together, they offer the strongest protection against cervical cancer.
Cost and access
Most private insurance plans cover the HPV vaccine as a recommended preventive service, often with no extra cost to you.
Programs also exist to help children and some adults who are uninsured or cannot afford the vaccine. Your healthcare team can help you find out what is available.
If you have questions about whether the vaccine is right for you or your child, your provider is the best person to ask.
How the vaccine works
You do not need to know the science to benefit, but a simple explanation can help ease worry.
The HPV vaccine does not contain any live virus. Instead, it uses tiny particles that look like the outer shell of HPV. These particles cannot cause infection because they have no viral genetic material inside.
When your body sees these particles, it learns to recognize HPV and builds protection. Then, if you are ever exposed to the real virus, your body is ready to fight it off before it can cause an infection.
Because there is no live virus, the vaccine cannot give you HPV.
A rare chance to prevent cancer
Most cancers cannot be prevented with a shot. HPV-related cancers are different. This makes the HPV vaccine a special tool.
By preventing infection with high-risk HPV types, the vaccine can prevent many cancers from ever starting. Real-world data show that as more people are vaccinated, rates of cervical cancer and precancer go down.
Vaccinating widely also has a community benefit. When many people are protected, the virus spreads less, which helps protect others too.
If you are unsure whether you or your child are up to date, your healthcare team can check and answer any questions. Getting vaccinated on time gives the strongest, longest-lasting protection.
Words to know
Tap any term to see what it means.
Common questions
▸What does the HPV vaccine protect against?
The HPV vaccine protects against infection with HPV types that cause most cervical cancers and many anal, oropharyngeal (throat), penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. It also protects against the types that cause most genital warts.
▸At what age should someone get the HPV vaccine?
It is routinely recommended at age 11 or 12 and can be started at age 9. Catch-up vaccination is recommended through age 26 for people not vaccinated earlier. The vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV.
▸Can adults older than 26 get the vaccine?
The vaccine is approved through age 45. It is not routinely recommended for everyone 27 to 45, but some adults may benefit. This is a shared decision to make with your healthcare provider.
▸How many doses are needed?
People who start before age 15 usually get two doses. Those who start at age 15 or older usually get three doses. Your provider can confirm the right schedule for you.
▸Is the HPV vaccine safe?
Yes. After more than two decades of safety monitoring, no serious side effects have been linked to the vaccine. The most common problems are brief soreness or other mild symptoms at the injection site.
▸If I get the vaccine, do I still need cervical cancer screening?
Yes. The vaccine does not protect against every cancer-causing HPV type. People who have been vaccinated should still follow the same cervical cancer screening recommendations as those who were not vaccinated.
Questions to ask your doctor
Being prepared helps you get the most out of your appointments. Save or print these questions.
Tap a question to save it to your list (kept on this device).
Test your knowledge
0 of 5 answered
This quiz checks understanding of educational content only. It is not medical advice. Open this quiz on its own page.