- HPV vaccine is cancer prevention
- Doctors and nurses recommend the HPV vaccine for children at age 11 to 12
- HPV vaccine is available at no cost to adolescents less than 19 years of age
- Parents: Did you know you have the power to protect your kids from certain cancers?
- Tweens, Teens, and Young Adults: Protect yourself against cancer-causing HPV infections
- HPV vaccine for adults age 27 to 45 years
- LGBT+ resources
- HPV vaccine schedule
- HPV vaccine requirements in Washington
- More HPV information
- HPV information for healthcare providers and public health agencies
HPV Vaccine is Cancer Prevention
There are many types of HPV. Most of them are harmless and do not cause infections or symptoms. However, some types of HPV can cause cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and back of the throat. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts. The good news is that most of these types of cancers and warts are preventable with a vaccine against HPV infection. Learn more about HPV, cancers caused by HPV, and the vaccine for HPV.
Doctors and nurses recommend the HPV vaccine for children at age 9 to 12
As this infographic shows, the HPV vaccine provides long-lasting protection against the most common cancers caused by HPV. (PDF) Doctors and nurses recommend the HPV vaccine for children at age 9. The HPV vaccine is most effective at this age because it produces the most infection-fighting cells, or antibodies, when given during the preteen years. This also ensures immunity is already in place before any exposure to the virus. However, if your teen hasn't received the vaccine, it is not too late. Talk to their doctor or nurse about getting them immunized as soon as possible. This is a recommended vaccine up through age 26. If you are an adult age 27 through age 45, talk with your healthcare provider to see if you should get the HPV vaccine.
HPV vaccine is available at no cost to adolescents less than 19 years of age
The Washington State Childhood Vaccine Program provides all recommended vaccines at no cost for children through age 18, and they're available from healthcare providers across the state. Healthcare providers may charge an office visit fee and an administration fee for the vaccine. However, if you cannot afford the administration fee, you may ask your provider to waive it. And most health insurance plans cover the vaccine for adults who are in the recommended age range.
Parents: Did you know you have the power to protect your kids from certain cancers?
Parents and guardians have an important role in protecting adolescents from HPV. Talk with your child's doctor or nurse about the HPV vaccine. HPV vaccine is cancer prevention. HPV vaccines are safe and highly effective in preventing infection with the types of HPV they target when given before any exposure to the virus. Make an appointment today to protect your child from several cancers caused by HPV.
More information for parents:
- Flyer: HPV (English)
- Brochure: Protect your child against viruses that can cause cancer (PDF)
- HPV vaccine: Long-Lasting Cancer Protection (PDF)
- Adolescent Immunization Schedule At a Glance (PDF)
- HPV information for parents (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Vaccine (shot) for Human Papillomavirus (CDC)
Read stories from survivors: Paul and Stewart had cancer caused by HPV. Read their stories to find out why they want parents to protect their kids from HPV.
Hear from a Survivor: A young mom experienced cervical cancer and her world turned upside down. Listen to this 2-minute podcast to learn what she's doing to protect her kids from HPV-related cancers.
Tweens, Teens, and Young Adults: Protect yourself against cancer-causing HPV infections
If you are age 9 to 26, protect yourself against several cancers and genital warts by getting the HPV vaccine. Listen to a 2-minute podcast about how the HPV vaccine prevents cancer.
More information for preteens and teens:
- HPV vaccine for preteens and teens (Teens Health from Nemours Foundation)
- Vaccine (shot) for Human Papillomavirus (CDC)
More information for young adults:
- HPV information for young women (CDC)
- HPV and men fact sheet (CDC)
- HPV at a glance (Planned Parenthood)
HPV vaccine for adults age 27 to 45 years
This is a recommended vaccine up through age 26. If you are an adult age 27 through age 45, talk with your healthcare provider to see if you should get the HPV vaccine.
LGBT+ Resources
- HPV and cancer information for LGBT people (National LGBT Cancer Network)
- We Are 1 campaign, information for all people regardless of gender or sexual identity, including trans people, gay men, and bi men.
HPV Vaccine Schedule
Anyone may get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12 years, or as early as 9 years. CDC also recommends vaccination through age 26 for everyone. Anyone age 27 through 45 may get the HPV vaccine after having a discussion with their healthcare provider.
You need all recommended doses for full protection. The vaccine is more effective and usually requires fewer doses when given at younger ages. The number of doses (2 or 3) you need depends on the age you start the series and whether or not you have a weakened immune system. Talk to your healthcare provider about which doses you or your child may need.
| Age When Starting Series | Number of doses needed | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| 9 to 14 years | 2 | 6 to12 months apart |
| 15 to 45 years |
3 |
Doses 1 and 2 should be 1 to 2 months apart. Doses 2 and 3 should be 3 months apart. There should be 6 months between doses 1 and 3. |
| Immunocompromised and/or HIV-positive |
HPV Vaccine Requirements in Washington
HPV vaccination is not required to attend public K-12 schools in Washington, but you can ask for it at the same time as the required school vaccines are being given.
More HPV Information
- General HPV information (CDC)
- Vaccine Information Statement for HPV vaccine (CDC)
- Cancers caused by HPV (CDC)
- Cancer screening