What to do if I missed the second dose of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine?

What to Do If You Missed the Second Dose of HPV Vaccine

If you missed the second dose of HPV vaccine, you should receive it as soon as possible without restarting the series. 1

Understanding HPV Vaccine Schedule and Missed Doses

The HPV vaccine is typically administered in a 3-dose schedule:

• First dose: Initial vaccination
• Second dose: 2 months after the first dose
• Third dose: 6 months after the first dose 1

Managing Interrupted Vaccine Schedules

When the HPV vaccination schedule is interrupted, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) provides clear guidance:

1. Do not restart the series - If you miss the second dose, you don't need to start over 1
2. Get the missed dose as soon as possible - Schedule your second dose at your earliest convenience 1
3. Maintain proper spacing for remaining doses - Ensure at least 12 weeks between the second and third doses 1

Minimum Intervals Between Doses

The guidelines specify minimum intervals that must be maintained:

• Between first and second doses: at least 4 weeks
• Between second and third doses: at least 12 weeks 1

If you receive a dose earlier than these minimum intervals, it should be readministered after the appropriate waiting period.

Special Considerations

Age-Specific Recommendations

For individuals who started vaccination before age 15:

• Recent updates (2016) indicate a 2-dose schedule may be sufficient 2
• However, the evidence provided relates to the original 3-dose recommendation

For individuals who started vaccination at age 15 or older:

• The complete 3-dose series remains recommended 2

Importance of Completing the Series

Completing the full HPV vaccine series is crucial for:

• Maximum protection against HPV-related cancers and diseases
• Ensuring long-term immunity against HPV types covered by the vaccine

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Restarting the series unnecessarily - This wastes resources and exposes you to extra doses
2. Waiting too long between doses - While you can continue where you left off, delaying doses may leave you vulnerable to HPV infection during the gap
3. Assuming one dose is sufficient - While some research suggests one dose may provide protection 3, current guidelines still recommend completing the series

Action Steps

1. Contact your healthcare provider immediately to schedule your missed second dose
2. Continue with the third dose 12 weeks or more after receiving your second dose
3. If you're concerned about the timing, discuss with your provider whether your age at initiation might qualify you for the newer 2-dose schedule

Remember that even if significant time has passed since your first dose, you can still receive the subsequent doses without restarting the series.