HPV Vaccine Recommendations
HPV vaccination is cancer prevention. However, HPV vaccination continues to be underutilized despite the overwhelming evidence for its safety and effectiveness as well as extensive efforts by ACS, CDC, provider organizations, and many other groups.
The HPV vaccine can prevent more than 90% of 6 HPV cancers when given at the recommended ages. Research has shown that vaccination provides close to 100% protection against infections, precancers, and cancers caused by the types of HPV included in the vaccine. More than 75% of US parents have chosen to protect their children from HPV cancer with the HPV vaccine.
It is recommended that healthcare providers routinely offer the HPV vaccine series to boys and girls between ages 9 and 12. Special emphasis has been given to starting at age 9 to increase the success of completing the series by age 13.
Dosing Schedules
Two doses of HPV vaccine are recommended for most persons starting the series before their 15th birthday.
- The second dose of HPV vaccine should be given 6 to 12 months after the first dose.
- Adolescents who receive two doses less than 5 months apart will require a third dose of HPV vaccine
To learn more about the HPV vaccine and comprehensive vaccine recommendations visit: