What is the age range for receiving the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine?

HPV Vaccination Age Recommendations

HPV vaccination is recommended routinely for ages 11-12 years, with catch-up vaccination for all persons through age 26 years, and shared clinical decision-making for adults aged 27-45 years. 1

Age Range for HPV Vaccination

• Starting age: Vaccination can begin as early as age 9 years 2, 1
• Routine recommendation: Ages 11-12 years 2, 1
• Catch-up vaccination: All persons through age 26 years who are not adequately vaccinated 2, 1
• Adults 27-45 years: Shared clinical decision-making is recommended, as vaccine effectiveness is lower due to likely prior HPV exposure 1
• Over 45 years: HPV vaccines are not licensed for use in adults older than 45 years 1

Vaccination Schedule

The vaccination schedule varies based on age at initiation:

• Ages 9-14 years: 2-dose series (0,6-12 month schedule) 1
• Ages 15-26 years: 3-dose series (0,1-2,6 month schedule) 1
• Immunocompromised individuals: 3-dose schedule regardless of age at initiation 1

Special Populations Considerations

• Immunocompromised individuals: Should receive vaccination through age 26 years with a 3-dose schedule 1
• Men who have sex with men: Should receive vaccination through age 26 years 1
• Pregnant individuals: Should delay vaccination until after pregnancy 1
• Breastfeeding individuals: Can receive HPV vaccine 2, 1

Effectiveness Considerations

The effectiveness of HPV vaccination varies by age and prior exposure:

• Maximum effectiveness: Vaccination is most effective when administered before exposure to HPV through sexual activity 1
• Higher antibody titers: Achieved after vaccination at age 11-12 years 1
• Duration of protection: At least 5 years without evidence of waning protection 1

Important Clinical Considerations

• No pre-vaccination testing is recommended 1
• HPV vaccines are prophylactic only - they prevent new HPV infections but do not treat existing infections or HPV-related disease 2, 1
• No clinical antibody test can determine whether a person is already immune or still susceptible to any given HPV type 2
• Even sexually active individuals may benefit from vaccination if not exposed to all vaccine HPV types 1

Public Health Impact

The impact of HPV vaccination has been significant:

• From the prevaccine era to 2015-2018, significant decreases in 4vHPV-type prevalence occurred among females aged 14-19 years (88%) and 20-24 years (81%) 3
• Significant declines among unvaccinated females suggest herd effects 3
• The vaccine prevents approximately 92% of HPV-attributable cancers, including cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, vaginal, vulvar, and penile cancers 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Delaying vaccination: Waiting until sexual debut may miss the opportunity for maximum protection
• Assuming prior exposure: Even individuals with previous sexual activity may not have been exposed to all vaccine-preventable HPV types
• Overlooking special populations: Immunocompromised individuals and men who have sex with men have specific recommendations
• Neglecting catch-up vaccination: Many adolescents and young adults remain eligible for vaccination

Remember that HPV vaccination is a critical prevention tool against HPV infection, anogenital warts, and HPV-attributable precancers and cancers, with the greatest benefit when administered before exposure to HPV.