I received my first dose of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine on [DATE]; can I receive the second dose now?

HPV Vaccine Second Dose Timing

Yes, you can receive your second HPV vaccine dose now, regardless of how long it has been since your first dose—the series does not need to be restarted and there is no maximum time interval between doses. 1

Key Principle: No Upper Time Limit

• The HPV vaccine series never expires and does not need to be restarted, no matter how long the interruption lasts between doses. 1
• If interrupted after the first dose, administer the second dose as soon as possible without any upper time restriction. 1
• Longer intervals between doses may actually produce stronger antibody responses than shorter intervals, so an extended delay is not harmful and may even be beneficial. 1, 2

Determining How Many Doses You Need

The critical factor is your age when you received the first dose, not your current age:

• If you were under 15 years old when you got your first dose: You only need 2 total doses, with the second dose given at least 6 months after the first (though you can receive it now even if more time has passed). 1, 3

• If you were 15 years or older when you got your first dose: You need 3 total doses at months 0,1-2, and 6, with minimum intervals of 4 weeks between doses 1 and 2, and 12 weeks between doses 2 and 3. 1, 2, 3

Important Clinical Considerations

• No testing is required before receiving your next dose—no HPV DNA testing, antibody testing, or Pap testing is needed. 1
• Even if you are sexually active, you should still complete the series according to your age-based schedule, as you are unlikely to have been infected with all vaccine HPV types. 1, 2
• The vaccine will still provide protection against HPV types you haven't been exposed to, even if you've already acquired some HPV types. 1, 2

Common Pitfall to Avoid

• Do not delay vaccination waiting for "optimal" timing—approximately 24% of adolescents report sexual intercourse by 9th grade, and HPV infection incidence is nearly 60% within 2 years after sexual initiation. 1, 3
• The vaccine is most effective when given before HPV exposure, so completing the series promptly maximizes protection. 1, 2

Administration Details

• The vaccine should be administered as a 0.5 mL intramuscular injection into the deltoid muscle. 1
• You should sit or lie down for 15 minutes after vaccination due to the risk of syncope (fainting) in adolescents and young adults. 1, 3