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
s
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 15years
of age need 2 doses of HPV vaccine. People who
get the rst dose at or aer 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 aer a previous
dose of HPV vaccine, or has any severe, life-
threatening allergies
Is pregnant—HPV vaccine is not recommended
until aer 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
OFFICE
USE
ONLY
42 U.S.C. § 300aa-26
8/6/2021
Vaccine Information Statement
HPV Vaccine
4. Risks of a vaccine reaction
Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot
is given can happen aer HPV vaccination.
Fever or headache can happen aer HPV
vaccination.
People sometimes faint aer medical procedures,
including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel
dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.
As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance
of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other
serious injury, or death.
5. What if there is a serious
problem?
An allergic reaction could occur aer the
vaccinated person leaves the clinic. If you see signs
of a severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the
face and throat, diculty breathing, a fast heartbeat,
dizziness, or weakness), call 9-1-1 and get the person
to the nearest hospital.
For other signs that concern you, call your health
care provider.
Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine
Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your
health care provider will usually le this report, or
you can do it yourself. Visit the VAERS website at
www.vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS
is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS sta
members do not give medical advice.
6. The National Vaccine Injury
Compensation Program
e National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
(VICP) is a federal program that was created to
compensate people who may have been injured by
certain vaccines. Claims regarding alleged injury or
death due to vaccination have a time limit for ling,
which may be as short as two years. Visit the VICP
website at www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation or
call 1-800-338-2382 to learn about the program and
about ling a claim.
7. How can I learn more?
Ask your health care provider.
Call your local or state health department.
Visit the website of the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) for vaccine package
inserts and additional information at
www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/vaccines.
Contact the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC):
- Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or
- Visit CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines.