HPV: Information for Providers
Human papillomavirus, known as HPV, is a very common virus.
HPV spreads from one person to another by skin-to-skin contact. HPV can be spread even when an infected person has no visible signs or symptoms.
Most men and women who have ever had sexual contact will get HPV at some time in their lives.
HPV Vaccine
HPV vaccination is cancer prevention.
HPV vaccines are safe and effective. They provide long-lasting protection against cancers caused by HPV.
According to CDC, more than 135 million doses of HPV vaccines have been distributed since they were licensed and data continues to show that the HPV vaccine is both SAFE and EFFECTIVE.
Since late 2016, Gardasil® 9 has been the only HPV vaccine available for use in the United States.
HPV Vaccination Recommendations
Did you know? Clinician recommendation is the number one reason parents decide to vaccinate. This is especially important for HPV vaccination. That is why it is important to make a strong recommendation for HPV vaccination, just like you do for other recommended vaccines.
- HPV vaccine is recommended for routine vaccination at age 11 or 12 years. (Vaccination can be started as early as age 9. Learn more below.)
- CDC also recommends vaccination for everyone through age 26 years if not adequately vaccinated when younger.
- HPV vaccination is given as a series of either two or three doses, depending on age at initial vaccination.
- Vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. Some adults ages 27 through 45 years might decide to get the HPV vaccine based on discussion with their clinician, if they did not get adequately vaccinated when they were younger. HPV vaccination of people in this age range provides less benefit, for several reasons, including that more people in this age range have already been exposed to HPV.
- For adults ages 27 through 45 years, clinicians can consider discussing HPV vaccination with people who are most likely to benefit. HPV vaccination does not need to be discussed with most adults over age 26 years. See ACIP’s shared clinical decision-making FAQs.
HPV Vaccine Doses
Two doses of HPV vaccine are recommended for most children, starting the series before their 15th birthday.
- The second dose of HPV vaccine should be given 6 to 12 months after the first dose.
- Adolescents who receive two doses less than 5 months apart will require a third dose of HPV vaccine.
Three doses of HPV vaccine are recommended for teens and young adults who start the series at aged 15 through 26 years, and for immunocompromised people (including those with HIV infection) aged 9 through 26 years.
Click here for the full CDC HPV vaccination recommendation
Download the Top 10 Tips for HPV Vaccination Success: Attain and Maintain High HPV Vaccination Rates (CDC)
HPV-Related Cancers
The HPV Vaccine can help protect people from 6 types of cancer. In fact, the HPV vaccination could prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is the most common HPV-associated cancer in women. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by HPV.
Oropharyngeal Cancers
Oropharyngeal cancers, which are cancers of the back of the throat, are the most common HPV-associated cancers found in men.
Vulvar Cancer
HPV can cause cancer of the vulva, which is the outer part of the female genital organs.
Vaginal Caner
Penile Cancer
Anal Cancer
New Research Reinforces the Recommendation to Start Offering HPV Vaccines at Age Nine
The National HPV Vaccination Roundtable, led by the American Cancer Society, is leading the way for routinely recommending the HPV vaccine for children in the U.S. starting at age 9. The Roundtable a coalition of public, private, and voluntary organizations with expertise relevant to increasing HPV vaccination rates in the United States as a way to reduce illness and death from HPV cancers, through coordinated leadership and strategic planning.
According to the Roundtable, giving a strong recommendation for HPV vaccination at age 9 will increase vaccine completion success and prevent more cancers. Healthcare providers should start the 2-dose series at the age 9 well visit. Starting the vaccine series and the conversation about HPV vaccination at age 9 will increase the success of completing the series by age 13.
- 2023 HPV Roundtable Letter to Colleagues
- Read the Collection – This Collection presents original research on the impact of initiating HPV vaccination at ages 9-10, including population studies and quality improvement projects, as well as commentaries from medical organizations and leading experts in the field.
- Watch Video Abstracts Highlighting Key Articles
- Download the Collection Communications Toolkit
- Download the Age 9 Toolkit
- View All Age 9 Resources
HPV Vaccination Resources
- HPV Vaccine Facts (ACS)
- HPV Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness Factsheet (CDC)
- Talking to Parents about HPV (CDC)
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Information for Clinicians
- Cervivor (A nonprofit organization that brings cervical cancer survivors together and helps to spread awareness, education, support and more)
- Cervivor Podcast
- HPV Vaccine Information Statement (CDC)
- HPV Vaccination Action Guides (HPV Roundtable)
- Infographic on HPV Screening (CDC)
- HPV VAX NOW Campaign (HHS’ Office on Women’s Health)
Resources for Immunization Coalitions and Other Stakeholders
The Answer to “What Can We Do?” – What Specific Partners Bring to the Table (CDC Handout)
See what other coalitions are doing to raise HPV vaccination rates.