Each year, an estimated 13 million Americans, including teenagers, become infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Before 2006, there was no preventive protection from the virus or the potential health complications an infection can cause. Now we have protection against HPV thanks to a vaccine.

Keep reading to learn more about the HPV vaccine – what it is, when you should get it and how safe it is.

What the HPV vaccine is for and why it’s recommended

HPV infections are common. Most aren’t serious and go away on their own within two years. The seriousness of an infection depends largely on which type of HPV is causing the infection.

There are more than 150 known types of HPV. Nine of these types can cause genital warts or various cancers. The CDC estimates that HPV is responsible for more than 90% of anal and cervical cancers, 70% of vaginal and vulvar cancers, and 60% of penile cancers.

The good news is that when the HPV vaccine is given before exposure to the virus, it prevents the infections that cause these diseases. If every child and young adult was vaccinated against HPV, the rates of cancers and other conditions associated with HPV would be lower.

How is HPV spread?

Sexual contact is the most common way that HPV spreads. But HPV can also be transmitted through nonsexual contact, including deep open-mouth kissing and skin-to-skin contact with an infected area.  Though it’s extremely rare, HPV has been also transmitted through contaminated surfaces, like sharing a water bottle.

Is the HPV vaccine safe and effective?

Yes. According to the CDC, studies show that the HPV vaccine is very effective (close to 100%) in preventing persistent infections, when you follow vaccination recommendations.

The CDC says the vaccine is highly immunogenic, meaning that the vaccine has a strong ability to induce an immune response to fight against HPV infections. One month after completing the vaccine series, 98% of vaccine recipients develop an antibody response to the HPV types they were vaccinated against. This equips your body to fight infections in the anus and oral regions, as well as cervical, vulvar and vaginal infections and precancers caused by the cancer-causing HPV types.

As with all other vaccines, the CDC and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regularly monitor the safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine. Since its introduction, there’s been an 88% decline in HPV in teenage girls and an 81% decline in HPV in adult women, according to data from the CDC.

Who should get the HPV vaccine?

The CDC recommends that children ages 11-12 should get the vaccine, but children can start as early as 9 years old. And people aged 13 to 26 should also get the vaccine, even if they have an HPV infection or received an abnormal Pap test result. People between the ages of 27 and 45 years old should talk to their doctor about getting the vaccine if they haven’t yet received it.

Why the HPV vaccine is recommended for children

Since HPV is most commonly passed through sexual activity, you may be wondering why the vaccine is recommended for children as young as 9 years old. There are two reasons it’s given as a childhood vaccine.

First, the vaccine is most effective when given at a younger age. One study found that HPV vaccination reduced the risk of cervical cancer by 63% in women who received the vaccine compared to those who didn’t. But the efficacy was much higher (almost 90%) for women who were vaccinated at a younger age, before they were likely to have been exposed to HPV.

Second, it’s best to give the HPV vaccine before children become sexually active. This can be a tough topic for parents, but it’s a reality. Once anyone engages in sexual activity, they risk exposing themselves to HPV. Vaccination is one way to keep your child safe.

Plus, the timing makes it convenient because you can get the HPV vaccine at the same time as the other recommended preteen vaccines, like the Tdap booster shot and the meningitis vaccine.

Females and males should both get vaccinated

The CDC predicts that 85% of people will get HPV at some point in their lives. Half of the cancer cases caused by HPV are cervical cancer in women. The HPV vaccine helps prevent HPV-related cancer in women, and it helps:

  • Prevent HPV infections. The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing infections with high-risk HPV types (especially HPV 16 and 18) that are responsible for the majority of cervical dysplasia (precancerous changes) and cervical cancer cases.
  • Reduce abnormal Pap tests. By preventing high-risk HPV infections, the vaccine reduces the incidence of abnormal Pap test results, which often lead to further diagnostic procedures, like colposcopies and biopsies.
  • Lower rates of cervical dysplasia. With fewer high-risk HPV infections, there are fewer cases of cervical dysplasia that require treatment. This means less need for procedures, such as laser therapy and cryotherapy, which are used to treat high-grade cervical dysplasia.
  • Improve overall cervical health. In general, vaccinated women have a lower risk of developing HPV-related cervical abnormalities, leading to fewer follow-up treatments and interventions.

HPV doesn’t just affect women and girls. In males, HPV can cause penile, anal and throat cancers, with more than 60% of penile cancers being caused by HPV. When the HPV vaccine first came out, it wasn’t recommended for boys, because the infection was associated with cervical cancer, and males don’t have a cervix. As more research was done on the effects of HPV on males, the vaccine recommendation expanded to include males in 2010.

Who should not get the HPV vaccine

Although the vaccine is approved by the FDA for people up to age 45, it’s not necessarily recommended, because adults have likely already been exposed to the virus. The vaccine should not be given to people who are pregnant or have a yeast allergy.

When do you get HPV vaccines:  Schedule by age and number of doses

If you want to get the best protection against HPV, here is the specific vaccine and dosage schedule to follow. Talk to your doctor about the best HPV vaccine course for you.

HPV vaccine schedule for children between 9 to 14 years old

Parents and doctors can agree to have a child vaccinated as early as 9 years old, but the routinely recommended age is 11-12 years old with the following doses:

  • First dose: Between 11 and 12 years old
  • Second dose: Six to 12 months after the first dose
  • Third dose: Required if the first and second doses are received less than five months apart

If a teenager or young adult receives the first dose before their 15th birthday, they only need two doses of the vaccine. People who are immunocompromised should always get three doses.

HPV vaccine schedule for teens and adults between 15 to 26 years old

The three-dose schedule is recommended for people 15 to 26 years old. There should be at least five months between when the first and third doses are received.

  • First dose: Between 15 and 26 years old
  • Second dose: One to two months after the first dose
  • Third dose: 12 weeks after the second dose

HPV vaccine schedule for adults between 27 to 45 years old

The older you get, the more likely it is that you’ve been exposed to HPV, which makes the vaccine less effective. If you’re between these ages, talk to your doctor to decide if the HPV vaccine is right for you. If you choose to get vaccinated, follow the three-dose schedule:

  • First dose: Between 27 and 45 years old
  • Second dose: One to two months after the first dose
  • Third dose: 12 weeks after the second dose

Types of HPV vaccines

There are three HPV vaccines that are approved by the FDA. Like most vaccines, each is a shot given in the arm and protects you from certain types of HPV that are known to cause cancer and genital warts. While all three can protect you against HPV, Gardasil 9 is the only one currently used in the U.S.

Gardasil 9

Gardasil 9 is for people ages 9 to 45. The “9” in its name indicates that it can protect you from the nine types of HPV that can cause cancer and genital warts.

Gardasil

The Gardasil vaccine was the first FDA-approved HPV vaccine. It protects against four HPV strains – 6, 11, 16 and 18. Although it’s effective, it’s no longer used in the U.S, having been replaced by Gardasil 9.

Cervarix

Cervarix is an FDA-approved HPV vaccine for females 9 to 25 years old. This vaccine only protects you from infections caused by HPV types 16 and 18 and is no longer used in the U.S.

Possible HPV vaccine side effects are mild and temporary

Possible HPV vaccine side effects are the same for males and females. Similar to other vaccines, the most common side effect people may notice is warmth, swelling and some soreness at the injection spot. Your clinic will have your child stay seated for around 15 minutes until they’re sure your child won’t experience any adverse reactions.

Since vaccines are designed to trigger an immune response, other temporary side effects can include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Nausea
  • Muscle or joint pain

How much does the HPV vaccine cost?

Most private insurance plans cover the HPV vaccine with no copay or deductible. If you have Medicaid, the vaccine will be covered as long as it aligns with ACIP recommendations.

If you’re unsure, check with your insurance provider regarding your options for coverage.

Get vaccinated from HPV to protect yourself and others

HPV has a high rate of infection, and the vaccine can protect you and your loved ones. Vaccination usually starts at the ages 11-12, and by sticking to vaccination guidelines, you can guard against many HPV symptoms and HPV-caused cancers. Talk to your doctor about the recommended vaccination schedule.