From the Guidelines
You can age out of eligibility for the HPV vaccine at 27 years, as catch-up vaccination is not recommended for all adults aged >26 y, but shared clinical decision making is recommended for some adults aged 27-45 y who are not adequately vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is generally recommended for people up to age 26, though the ideal time to get vaccinated is between ages 11-12, before potential exposure to HPV through sexual activity 1. The CDC recommends routine vaccination for all children at age 11 or 12, with catch-up vaccination for everyone through age 26 if not adequately vaccinated earlier. For adults aged 27-45, the vaccine provides less benefit since many people have already been exposed to HPV by this age, but shared clinical decision-making between patients and healthcare providers is recommended, as some individuals might still benefit 1.
The standard regimen involves either two doses (if started before age 15) given 6-12 months apart, or three doses (if started at age 15 or older) given over 6 months. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against specific HPV types before exposure, which is why earlier vaccination is more effective. The vaccine protects against HPV types that cause most cervical cancers and several other cancers, as well as genital warts. Key considerations for vaccination include:
- Routine vaccination at age 11 or 12 years
- Catch-up vaccination for all persons through age 26 years who are not adequately vaccinated
- Shared clinical decision making for some adults aged 27-45 years who are not adequately vaccinated
- Earlier vaccination is more effective in preventing HPV-related cancers and diseases
It's essential to note that the American Cancer Society (ACS) does not endorse the recommendation for shared clinical decision making regarding vaccination for adults aged 27 to 45 years, primarily due to the minimal cancer prevention benefit expected from vaccination in this age range 1. However, the ACS recommends routine vaccination between ages 9 and 12 years, with a qualifying statement about the reduced effectiveness of vaccination at older ages.
Overall, the HPV vaccine is a crucial tool in preventing HPV-related cancers and diseases, and vaccination at a young age is essential for optimal protection.
From the Research
Eligibility for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
- The HPV vaccine is approved for individuals as young as age 9 and is recommended for ages 11-12 2.
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends HPV vaccination for females aged 11 to 12 years, with "catch-up" vaccination recommended for females aged 13 to 26 years who have not been previously vaccinated or who have missed a vaccination 3.
- Vaccination can still benefit females over the age of 26 years who have not been previously exposed to HPV 6,11,16, or 18 and those who may have new sexual partners in the future 3.
- For individuals who initiate the vaccination series at ages 9 through 14 years, a 2-dose schedule is recommended, while three doses are recommended for persons who initiate the vaccination series at ages 15 through 26 years and for immunocompromised persons 4.
- There is no specific age limit for losing eligibility for the HPV vaccine, but the recommended age range for vaccination is 9-26 years, and in some cases, up to age 45 years 5.
Special Considerations
- For individuals 15 to 26 years of age, two doses of the 9vHPV vaccine may elicit responses similar to three doses at 1 month postvaccination 6.
- The HPV vaccine is a safe and highly effective way to prevent cervical cancer, with the strongest predictor of vaccine uptake being practitioner recommendation 5.