VACCINE INFORMATION STATEMENT
Many vaccine information statements are
available in Spanish and other languages.
See www.immunize.org/vis
Hojas de información sobre vacunas están
disponibles en español y en muchos otros
idiomas. Visite www.immunize.org/vis
U.S. Department of
Health and Human Service
Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
1. Why get vaccinated?
HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine can prevent
infection with some types of human papillomavirus.
HPV infections can cause certain types of cancers,
including:
cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in women
penile cancer in men
anal cancers in both men and women
cancers of tonsils, base of tongue, and back of
throat (oropharyngeal cancer) in both men
and women
HPV infections can also cause anogenital warts.
HPV vaccine can prevent over 90% of cancers caused
by HPV.
HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin or
sexual contact. HPV infections are so common that
nearly all people will get at least one type of HPV
at some time in their lives. Most HPV infections go
away on their own within 2 years. But sometimes
HPV infections will last longer and can cause
cancers later in life.
2. HPV vaccine
HPV vaccine is routinely recommended for
adolescents at 11 or 12 years of age to ensure they are
protected before they are exposed to the virus. HPV
vaccine may be given beginning at age 9 years and
vaccination is recommended for everyone through
26 years of age.
HPV vaccine may be given to adults 27 through
45 years of age, based on discussions between the
patient and health care provider.
Most children who get the rst dose before 15years
of age need 2 doses of HPV vaccine. People who
get the rst dose at or aer 15 years of age and
younger people with certain immunocompromising
conditions need 3 doses. Your health care provider
can give you more information.
HPV vaccine may be given at the same time as
other vaccines.
3. Talk with your health
care provider
Tell your vaccination provider if the person getting
the vaccine:
Has had an allergic reaction aer a previous
dose of HPV vaccine, or has any severe, life-
threatening allergies
Is pregnant—HPV vaccine is not recommended
until aer pregnancy
In some cases, your health care provider may decide
to postpone HPV vaccination until a future visit.
People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be
vaccinated. People who are moderately or severely ill
should usually wait until they recover before getting
HPV vaccine.
Your health care provider can give you more
information.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine:
What You Need to Know