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Some cases of cancer are easily avoidable by getting a simple vaccine. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause several types of cancer. Vaccination against HPV infection reduces the risk of developing these cancers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccination has reduced high-risk HPV infections among female Americans by over 80%. As what we know about these vaccines changes, so do the guidelines for the HPV vaccines.

Understanding the New HPV Vaccine Guidelines

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Gardasil, an HPV vaccine, in 2006. The original vaccine protected patients against four strains of HPV that can cause cancer. The current version, Gardasil 9, protects against nine such strains.

The FDA regularly reviews and updates its recommendations for vaccination as new research evidence emerges. As a result, many people find it difficult to stay current with the new guidelines for HPV vaccines.

The FDA approved the nine-strain version of Gardasil in 2018. Initially, the upper age limit for Gardasil vaccination was 26. After reviewing more data, the FDA expanded its approval to include adults up to 45.

Why Did the Age for HPV Vaccination Increase?

According to the CDC, about 85% of all sexually active Americans will encounter HPV and become infected at some point. However, very few people will catch all HPV strains that can cause cancer.

So, even someone who has already caught one or more strains of HPV can still face a risk of catching a cancer-causing virus in the future. This is especially true for those who don’t protect themselves.

HPV vaccination can protect adults against HPV strains they haven’t encountered. Clinical research has demonstrated that Gardasil 9 is equally effective in adults over 26 and in people 26 and under.

What Are the New HPV Vaccine Age Guidelines?

The CDC divides its recommendations for HPV vaccination into three groups:

• People who receive their first dose before their 15th birthday.
• People who receive their first dose on or after their 15th birthday.
• People who have weaker-than-average immune system responses.

Here is the recommended dosing schedule for each category:

Before age 15

This group should receive two doses of the HPV vaccine starting as early as age 9 and:

• Ideally, get the first dose between ages 11 and 12.
• Get the second dose six to 12 months later (no fewer than five months later).
• You can wait longer for the second dose if necessary. You don’t need to repeat the first dose, even if more than one year has passed.

Ages 15 to 45

This group should receive three doses of the HPV vaccine as follows:

• Get the second dose one to two months after the first.
• Get the third dose six months after the first (no fewer than five months later)
• Doses two and three should occur at least three months apart.
• There’s no maximum interval between doses. There’s no need to repeat doses, even if many months have passed between them.

People with weaker immune responses

This group includes people with medical conditions that weaken their immune response. Examples include cancer or autoimmune conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. It also includes people who are taking medicine that weakens the immune system.

This group should receive three doses of the HPV vaccine, regardless of their age at first dose. Taking three doses helps ensure that your immune system reacts well enough to establish immunity.

Common Questions About the HPV Vaccine

Having questions about any new medication or procedure is normal. Since 2010, some American parents have become more hesitant to vaccinate their teenage children against HPV.

The rate of vaccine hesitancy increased the most among parents of white teenagers. These parents most often cited “safety concerns” as their primary reason for hesitancy. Fortunately, scientific evidence doesn’t support these concerns.

Let’s address some common concerns about the HPV vaccine.

What are the side effects of the HPV vaccine? Is it safe?

Most reported side effects of the HPV vaccine are mild and short-lived. The most common reactions in all tested age groups were headaches and pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site. The FDA hasn’t received any reports of serious adverse side effects related to the HPV vaccine.

In 2022, a Japanese research group analyzed lawsuits over “diverse symptoms” attributed to the HPV vaccine. These included claims of chronic pain and brain damage. For all claims, they discovered that all research cited in these lawsuits had significant flaws that invalidated the results.

A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare autoimmune condition, after HPV vaccination. This research identified a one in 1 million chance of developing GBS after HPV vaccination.

This evidence overwhelmingly supports the safety of the HPV vaccine in the approved populations: It’s safe to get vaccinated against HPV. And the HPV vaccine is effective in decreasing your risk of cancer.

Who should avoid or delay the HPV vaccine?

Although the HPV vaccine is safe for most, the FDA hasn’t approved it for some groups of people.

These include:

• Children under age 9.
• People over age 45.
• Pregnant people.
• People who currently have an infection (such as COVID-19).

The age- and pregnancy-related restrictions aren’t due to documented dangers of the vaccine. Instead, they’re because researchers haven’t studied the vaccine’s safety and efficacy in those populations.

The CDC recommends that pregnant people wait until after delivery to get their next vaccine dose. It no longer recommends the HPV vaccine for those who are over 45.

If you’ve recently been sick with a mild illness, like diarrhea or a mild cold, you can still get the HPV vaccine. If you have a moderate or severe illness, you should wait until you recover to get your next dose.

Can I catch up if I missed a dose of the HPV vaccine?

In short, yes. There’s no maximum interval between doses of the HPV vaccine. You can complete your vaccination series even if several years have elapsed since your last dose.

As with any medical procedure, you should discuss your specific situation with your primary care provider (PCP). They can provide vaccination guidance for your unique case.

How Can I Access the HPV Vaccine?

When you or a loved one is ready to get the HPV vaccine, start by speaking to your PCP. Most primary care practices, including pediatric clinics, can provide the HPV vaccine.

If you don’t have a PCP, you can receive your HPV vaccine at a community health clinic. Alternatively, you can ask your state’s health department for a list of locations in your community that carry the HPV vaccine.

Health insurance plans cover the cost of routine vaccines like Gardasil 9. Parents of uninsured children can get financial help from the CDC’s Vaccines for Children program. With a bit of research, you can protect yourself and your family against high-risk HPV and the cancers it can cause.