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HPV: Should I Get the Vaccine?

You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

HPV: Should I Get the Vaccine?

Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.

1
Get the
Facts

2
Compare
Options

3
Your
Feelings

4
Your
Decision

5
Quiz
Yourself

6
Your
Summary

Get the facts

Your options

This topic is for adults ages 18 to 45 who have not had the HPV vaccine. For children and teens younger than 18, see the topic HPV: Should My Child Get the Vaccine?HPV: Should My Child Get the Vaccine?

Get the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine.
Don't get the HPV vaccine.

Key points to remember

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the vaccine for children 11 or 12 years old. It is also recommended for people up to 26 years old who didn't get the vaccine when they were younger. Adults age 27 to 45 can talk to the doctor about getting the vaccine.
The HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine protects against HPV. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are many types of HPV. Some types of the virus can cause genital wartsgenital warts. Other types can cause cervical or oral cancer and some uncommon cancers, such as vaginal and anal cancer. The HPV vaccine protects against the most common HPV types that can cause serious problems.
People age 15 and older get the vaccine as a three-dose series. For the vaccine to work best, all shots in the series must be given.
The best time to get the vaccine is before you become sexually active. But it also protects against HPV after you're sexually active (if you haven't already been infected). When the vaccine is given before you're sexually active, it can prevent almost all infection by the types of HPV the vaccine guards against.
The HPV vaccines were tested in thousands of people before being approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and there were no serious side effects. You can't get HPV from the vaccine.

FAQs

How do you get HPV?How do you get HPV?

HPV stands for human papillomavirushuman papillomavirus. You can get HPV by having sex or skin-to-skin genital contact with someone who has the virus. Infection with HPV is common, especially among young people. But most people never know they have the virus, because it may not cause any symptoms.

There are more than 100 types of human papillomavirus. Some types of HPV lead to cervical cancer or genital warts.

Cervical cancer happens when HPV causes abnormal cells in the cervix to grow out of control. HPV can stay in your body for a long time. It can take years for a woman to get cancer from an HPV infection. Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women.

Genital warts (skin growths) may or may not cause symptoms. Even if you treat visible warts, or if the warts go away without treatment, the HPV infection can stay in the body's cells. It's possible to spread genital warts to a sex partner even if you can't see the warts.

What is the HPV vaccine?What is the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccines can help protect people from being infected with some of the most common types of the virus.

The HPV vaccineHPV vaccine is given to adults in a series of 3 shots. For the vaccine to work best, you need to get all the shots.

The vaccine doesn't treat an HPV infection. But it may protect a person against types of the HPV virus other than the one causing the infection.

Health insurance may cover all or part of the cost of the vaccine. But if you don't have health insurance, check with your local health department, clinic, or hospital about getting low-cost vaccine.

When should you get the HPV vaccine?When should you get the HPV vaccine?

The best time to get the vaccine is before you become sexually active. But it also protects against HPV after you're sexually active (if you haven't already been infected). When the vaccine is given before you become sexually active, it can prevent almost all infection by the types of HPV the vaccine guards against.

The HPV vaccine is recommended up to age 26. If you are age 27 to 45, ask your doctor if you might benefit from the HPV vaccine.^{footnote 2footnote 2}

What are the benefits of the HPV vaccine?What are the benefits of the HPV vaccine?

There are many types of HPV. Some types of the virus can cause genital wartsgenital warts. Other types can cause cervical or oral cancer and some uncommon cancers, such as vaginal and anal cancer. The HPV vaccine protects against the most common HPV types that can cause serious problems.^{footnote 3footnote 3}

The HPV vaccines were tested in thousands of people before being approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and there were no serious side effects. You can't get HPV from the vaccine, and it doesn't contain mercury.

How long does the HPV vaccine last?How long does the HPV vaccine last?

What are the risks of the HPV vaccine?What are the risks of the HPV vaccine?

Compare your options

	Get the HPV vaccine	Don't get the HPV vaccine
What is usually involved?	You get a series of 3 shots.	You may decide to wait until more information is available about how well the vaccine works. You can talk to your doctor about other ways to reduce your chance of infection, such as using condoms and having only one sex partner.
What are the benefits?	The vaccine can reduce your risk of getting genital warts. It helps protect women from getting cervical cancer. It helps protect your partner or partners from genital warts and anal and vaginal cancers.	You avoid possible side effects of the vaccine. You don't have to take time to get the shots.
What are the risks and side effects?	Possible side effects include a low fever and soreness where the shot was given.	You may be more likely to get HPV. If you get HPV, you could spread it to a partner or partners. If you get HPV, you will have a greater chance of getting genital warts. And if you are a woman, you will have less protection from cervical cancer.

Compare


What is usually involved?
What are the benefits?
What are the risks and side effects?

Get the HPV vaccine Get the HPV vaccine

You get a series of 3 shots.

The vaccine can reduce your risk of getting genital warts.
It helps protect women from getting cervical cancer.
It helps protect your partner or partners from genital warts and anal and vaginal cancers.

Possible side effects include a low fever and soreness where the shot was given.

Don't get the HPV vaccine Don't get the HPV vaccine

You may decide to wait until more information is available about how well the vaccine works.
You can talk to your doctor about other ways to reduce your chance of infection, such as using condoms and having only one sex partner.

You avoid possible side effects of the vaccine.
You don't have to take time to get the shots.

You may be more likely to get HPV.
If you get HPV, you could spread it to a partner or partners.
If you get HPV, you will have a greater chance of getting genital warts. And if you are a woman, you will have less protection from cervical cancer.

Personal stories about considering getting the HPV vaccine

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

I'm not going to get the shots, because I don't plan on having sex until I'm in a long-term relationship. I don't think I'm at much risk of getting HPV.

Jennifer, age 18.

Getting some shots doesn't seem like that big of a deal if it will keep me from getting genital warts. So I'm going to get the HPV shots.

Greg, age 20

I want to do everything I can to prevent cervical cancer, so I want to get the vaccinations.

Tracy, age 23

What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to have the HPV vaccine

Reasons not to have the HPV vaccine

I want to do everything I can to prevent cervical cancer for myself and genital warts for my partner or me.

I don't feel I need the vaccine.

More important

Equally important

More important

I feel that the vaccine is safe.

I'm concerned about side effects.

More important

Equally important

More important

I don't want to take the chance of getting a lifelong infection.

I feel that my chance of getting HPV is low, and I'll manage it if I ever get it.

More important

Equally important

More important

My other important reasons:

More important

Equally important

More important

Where are you leaning now?

Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Getting the HPV vaccine

NOT getting the HPV vaccine

Leaning toward

Undecided

Leaning toward

Your Summary

Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.

Your decisionYour decision

Your knowledge of the factsYour knowledge of the facts

Getting ready to actGetting ready to act

What matters to youWhat matters to you

Print SummaryPrint Summary

Credits and ReferencesCredits and References

HPV: Should I Get the Vaccine?

Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.

Get the facts
Compare your options
What matters most to you?
Where are you leaning now?
What else do you need to make your decision?

1. Get the Facts

Your options

Get the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine.
Don't get the HPV vaccine.

Key points to remember

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the vaccine for children 11 or 12 years old. It is also recommended for people up to 26 years old who didn't get the vaccine when they were younger. Adults age 27 to 45 can talk to the doctor about getting the vaccine.
The HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine protects against HPV. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are many types of HPV. Some types of the virus can cause genital wartsgenital warts. Other types can cause cervical or oral cancer and some uncommon cancers, such as vaginal and anal cancer. The HPV vaccine protects against the most common HPV types that can cause serious problems.
People age 15 and older get the vaccine as a three-dose series. For the vaccine to work best, all shots in the series must be given.
The best time to get the vaccine is before you become sexually active. But it also protects against HPV after you're sexually active (if you haven't already been infected). When the vaccine is given before you're sexually active, it can prevent almost all infection by the types of HPV the vaccine guards against.
The HPV vaccines were tested in thousands of people before being approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and there were no serious side effects. You can't get HPV from the vaccine.

FAQs

How do you get HPV?

HPV stands for human papillomavirushuman papillomavirus. You can get HPV by having sex or skin-to-skin genital contact with someone who has the virus. Infection with HPV is common, especially among young people. But most people never know they have the virus, because it may not cause any symptoms.

There are more than 100 types of human papillomavirus. Some types of HPV lead to cervical cancer or genital warts.

Cervical cancer happens when HPV causes abnormal cells in the cervix to grow out of control. HPV can stay in your body for a long time. It can take years for a woman to get cancer from an HPV infection. Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women.
Genital warts (skin growths) may or may not cause symptoms. Even if you treat visible warts, or if the warts go away without treatment, the HPV infection can stay in the body's cells. It's possible to spread genital warts to a sex partner even if you can't see the warts.

What is the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccines can help protect people from being infected with some of the most common types of the virus.

The HPV vaccineHPV vaccine is given to adults in a series of 3 shots. For the vaccine to work best, you need to get all the shots.

The vaccine doesn't treat an HPV infection. But it may protect a person against types of the HPV virus other than the one causing the infection.

Health insurance may cover all or part of the cost of the vaccine. But if you don't have health insurance, check with your local health department, clinic, or hospital about getting low-cost vaccine.

When should you get the HPV vaccine?

The best time to get the vaccine is before you become sexually active. But it also protects against HPV after you're sexually active (if you haven't already been infected). When the vaccine is given before you become sexually active, it can prevent almost all infection by the types of HPV the vaccine guards against.

The HPV vaccine is recommended up to age 26. If you are age 27 to 45, ask your doctor if you might benefit from the HPV vaccine.²²

What are the benefits of the HPV vaccine?

There are many types of HPV. Some types of the virus can cause genital wartsgenital warts. Other types can cause cervical or oral cancer and some uncommon cancers, such as vaginal and anal cancer. The HPV vaccine protects against the most common HPV types that can cause serious problems.³³

The HPV vaccines were tested in thousands of people before being approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and there were no serious side effects. You can't get HPV from the vaccine, and it doesn't contain mercury.

How long does the HPV vaccine last?

The HPV vaccine series is long-lasting. At this time, there is no evidence that protection decreases over time.¹¹

What are the risks of the HPV vaccine?

Some people may have mild side effects such as a low-grade fever and soreness in the arm where the shot was given. But neither lasts long. Your doctor may have you stay in the office for up to 15 minutes after the shot is given, to watch for any reactions.

2. Compare your options

	Get the HPV vaccine	Don't get the HPV vaccine
What is usually involved?	You get a series of 3 shots.	You may decide to wait until more information is available about how well the vaccine works. You can talk to your doctor about other ways to reduce your chance of infection, such as using condoms and having only one sex partner.
What are the benefits?	The vaccine can reduce your risk of getting genital warts. It helps protect women from getting cervical cancer. It helps protect your partner or partners from genital warts and anal and vaginal cancers.	You avoid possible side effects of the vaccine. You don't have to take time to get the shots.
What are the risks and side effects?	Possible side effects include a low fever and soreness where the shot was given.	You may be more likely to get HPV. If you get HPV, you could spread it to a partner or partners. If you get HPV, you will have a greater chance of getting genital warts. And if you are a woman, you will have less protection from cervical cancer.

Personal stories

Personal stories about considering getting the HPV vaccine

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

"Getting some shots doesn't seem like that big of a deal if it will keep me from getting genital warts. So I'm going to get the HPV shots."

— Greg, age 20

"I'm not going to get the shots, because I don't plan on having sex until I'm in a long-term relationship. I don't think I'm at much risk of getting HPV."

— Jennifer, age 18.

"I want to do everything I can to prevent cervical cancer, so I want to get the vaccinations."

— Tracy, age 23

3. What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to have the HPV vaccine

Reasons not to have the HPV vaccine

I want to do everything I can to prevent cervical cancer for myself and genital warts for my partner or me.

I don't feel I need the vaccine.

More important

Equally important

More important

I feel that the vaccine is safe.

I'm concerned about side effects.

More important

Equally important

More important

I don't want to take the chance of getting a lifelong infection.

I feel that my chance of getting HPV is low, and I'll manage it if I ever get it.

More important

Equally important

More important

My other important reasons:

More important

Equally important

More important

4. Where are you leaning now?

Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Getting the HPV vaccine

NOT getting the HPV vaccine

Leaning toward

Undecided

Leaning toward

Credits

By	Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffIgnite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board	Clinical Review BoardClinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

References

Citations

Markowitz LE, et al. (2014). Human papillomavirus vaccination: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR. Recommendations and Reports: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Recommendations and Reports, 63(RR-05): 1–30. Accessed November 19, 2019.
Meites E, et al. (2019). Human papillomavirus vaccination for adults: Updated recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 68(32): 698–702. DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6832a3. Accessed November 19, 2019.
Senkomago V, et al. (2019). Human papillomavirus-attributable cancers - United States, 2012-2016. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 68(33): 724–728. DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6833a3. Accessed November 19, 2019.

Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffIgnite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review BoardClinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of UseTerms of Use. Learn how we develop our contenthow we develop our content.

To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.comwebmdignite.com.

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Author	Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffIgnite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board	Clinical Review BoardClinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

HPV: Should I Get the Vaccine?

HPV: Should I Get the Vaccine?

1Get theFacts

2CompareOptions

3YourFeelings

4YourDecision

5QuizYourself

6YourSummary

Get the facts

Your options

Key points to remember

How do you get HPV?How do you get [link-slot] sup {font-size: 0.75em; line-height: normal !important; top: 0 !important;}HPV?

What is the HPV vaccine?What is the HPV [link-slot] sup {font-size: 0.75em; line-height: normal !important; top: 0 !important;}vaccine?

When should you get the HPV vaccine?When should you get the HPV [link-slot] sup {font-size: 0.75em; line-height: normal !important; top: 0 !important;}vaccine?

What are the benefits of the HPV vaccine?What are the benefits of the HPV [link-slot] sup {font-size: 0.75em; line-height: normal !important; top: 0 !important;}vaccine?

How long does the HPV vaccine last?How long does the HPV vaccine [link-slot] sup {font-size: 0.75em; line-height: normal !important; top: 0 !important;}last?

What are the risks of the HPV vaccine?What are the risks of the HPV [link-slot] sup {font-size: 0.75em; line-height: normal !important; top: 0 !important;}vaccine?

Credits and ReferencesCredits and [link-slot] sup {font-size: 0.75em; line-height: normal !important; top: 0 !important;}References

Page Footer

I want to...

Audiences

Secure Member Sites

The Cigna Group Information

Disclaimer

1
Get the
Facts

2
Compare
Options

3
Your
Feelings

4
Your
Decision

5
Quiz
Yourself

6
Your
Summary

How do you get HPV?How do you get HPV?

What is the HPV vaccine?What is the HPV vaccine?

When should you get the HPV vaccine?When should you get the HPV vaccine?

What are the benefits of the HPV vaccine?What are the benefits of the HPV vaccine?

How long does the HPV vaccine last?How long does the HPV vaccine last?

What are the risks of the HPV vaccine?What are the risks of the HPV vaccine?

Credits and ReferencesCredits and References