What is the recommended Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination regimen and schedule?

HPV Vaccination Questionnaire

The recommended HPV vaccination regimen is age-dependent: 2 doses for individuals starting before age 15, and 3 doses for those starting at age 15 or older, with specific timing intervals between doses. 1

Question 1: At what age should routine HPV vaccination begin?

• Answer: Routine HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 or 12 years, but can be started as early as age 9 years 1

Question 2: How many doses of HPV vaccine are recommended for individuals who start vaccination before age 15?

• Answer: A 2-dose schedule is recommended for individuals who initiate vaccination before their 15th birthday 1, 2

Question 3: What is the recommended timing for the 2-dose schedule?

• Answer: For a 2-dose schedule, the first dose is given at the elected date and the second dose should be administered 6-12 months after the first dose 1, 3

Question 4: How many doses are recommended for individuals who start vaccination at age 15 or older?

• Answer: A 3-dose schedule is recommended for individuals initiating vaccination at age 15 years or older 1, 4

Question 5: What is the timing for the 3-dose schedule?

• Answer: The 3-dose schedule consists of: first dose at elected date, second dose 1-2 months after the first dose, and third dose 6 months after the first dose (minimum intervals: 4 weeks between first and second doses, 12 weeks between second and third doses) 1, 4

Question 6: Until what age is catch-up HPV vaccination recommended?

• Answer: Catch-up vaccination is recommended for all persons through age 26 years who are not adequately vaccinated 1, 5

Question 7: Are there special considerations for immunocompromised individuals?

• Answer: Yes, a 3-dose schedule is recommended for individuals with immunocompromising conditions, regardless of age at initiation 1, 4, 5

Question 8: Can HPV vaccine be administered with other vaccines?

• Answer: Yes, HPV vaccine can be administered at the same visit as other age-appropriate vaccines, using a separate syringe at a different anatomic site 1

Question 9: Is HPV vaccination recommended for men who have sex with men (MSM)?

• Answer: Yes, HPV vaccination is specifically recommended for MSM through age 26 years if not previously vaccinated 6, 4

Question 10: What HPV vaccine is currently available in the United States?

• Answer: The 9-valent HPV vaccine (9vHPV, Gardasil-9) is currently the only HPV vaccine available in the United States, protecting against HPV types 6,11,16,18,31,33,45,52, and 58 4, 7

Question 11: Does HPV vaccination eliminate the need for cervical cancer screening?

• Answer: No, all women, regardless of vaccination status, should continue to follow cervical cancer screening guidelines 1, 4

Question 12: Is HPV vaccination effective if someone is already sexually active?

• Answer: While vaccination is most effective when given before exposure to HPV through sexual activity, persons who are sexually active should still be vaccinated according to age-based recommendations 6, 1

Question 13: What are the contraindications for HPV vaccination?

• Answer: The vaccine should not be given to people with a history of immediate hypersensitivity to yeast or any vaccine component, and vaccination should be deferred for people with moderate or severe acute illness 1

Question 14: Is HPV vaccination safe?

• Answer: Yes, safety data for HPV vaccines have indicated that they are safe, with the most common adverse side-effects being local symptoms at the injection site 7

Question 15: What if an HPV vaccination schedule is interrupted?

• Answer: If the vaccination schedule is interrupted, it does not need to be restarted 4