Boys and girls should get the HPV vaccine between the ages of 9 and 12. Teens and young adults through age 26 who are not already vaccinated should get the HPV vaccine as soon as possible.

The American Cancer Society recommends that boys & girls get the HPV vaccine between the ages of 9 & 12. Teens & young adults through age 26 who are not already vaccinated should get the HPV vaccine as soon as possible.

Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause several cancers. HPV infection can’t be treated, but a vaccine can help prevent it & HPV-related cancers.

Costs will may vary based on insurance coverage, but with many insurances, vaccines are available at no charge. For cost information, please speak with your pharmacist for details.

The HPV vaccine is safe. The most common side effects from HPV vaccination are mild and might include: fever, headache, pain & redness in the arm where the shot was given. Sometimes children & teens faint after getting a shot, including the HPV vaccine. Sitting or lying down when getting a shot, and staying in that position for about 15 minutes afterwards, can help prevent fainting.

So far, studies have shown people receiving the HPV vaccine will stay protected for more than 15 years. More research is being done to find out how long protection will last, and if a booster dose will eventually be needed.

Yes. The HPV vaccine is FDA-approved to protect against HPV infections that can lead to certain cancers.

No. Both males and females receive cancer protection from this vaccine. In fact, 45% of all HPV- related cancers were diagnosed in males.

The schedule for HPV vaccine depends on the age at which the first dose is given. For people starting the vaccine series before age 15 years, the recommended schedule is 2 doses, separated by 6 to 12 months. If vaccination is started at age 15 years or older, the schedule is 3 doses. The second dose should be given one to two months after the first dose and the third dose should be given six months after the first dose and at least 12 weeks after the second dose. It's not necessary to restart the series if a longer time than recommended passes between doses.

Anyone who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any component of HPV vaccine (such as baker’s yeast), or to a previous dose of HPV vaccine, should not get the vaccine.

Visit www.cancer.org/HPV to learn more about the HPV vaccine.

For assistance in Spanish, call 833-969-3468. Para asistencia en español, llama al 833- 969-3468.

For assistance in other languages, call 833-995-0513.

Persons using Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) should dial 711 and then the phone number for your local pharmacy.