The HPV Vaccine

The History of the HPV Vaccine

In December 2014, the FDA approved the 9-valent HPV vaccine (also known as Gardasil 9). This vaccine protects against 9 strains of HPV: the four strains approved in the previous Gardasil quadrivalent vaccine, as well as 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. (Gardasil quadrivalent vaccine is no longer distributed in the US.)

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) approved the HPV vaccine for girls in 2006 and for boys in 2009. Gardasil 9 by Merck is the current HPV vaccine protecting against nine HPV types.

When to Vaccinate Your Child

The CDC recommends the HPV vaccine for kids at ages 11–12, but it can be started as early as age 9. The vaccine can be given at the same appointment as other routine childhood vaccines, so there’s no need for extra visits.

What Parents Need to Know About the Schedule

• Ages 9–14: Your child will need 2 doses, given 6–12 months apart

• Ages 15 and older: 3 doses are needed over 6 months

• Those 9 to 26 with weakened immune systems: 3 doses, regardless of age

Getting the HPV vaccine on time helps protect your child from several cancers later in life. The vaccine is most effective prior to HPV exposure; in other words, before a person becomes sexually active. Learn more.

Adult Vaccination

• In 2018, the FDA also approved the HPV vaccine for individuals 27 to 45 years old. Even if someone has already been sexually active, the HPV vaccine can protect against cancer. That’s because while one’s first HPV infection usually occurs during the first few times he/she has sex, a person may not have been exposed to all HPV strains. The HPV vaccine protects against nine types of HPV.
• Vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. Talk to your doctor about whether the HPV vaccine is right for you.
• Because many adults may have already been exposed to HPV, the vaccine may offer less benefit. The HPV vaccine works best when it’s given before any exposure to the virus.

Safety, Side Effects & Effectiveness

Prior to the FDA’s approval of Gardasil 9, the vaccine underwent multiple studies, evaluating its safety in more than 15-thousand males and females. The findings found Gardasil 9 is safe and effective. The most commonly reported adverse reactions were injection site pain, swelling, redness and headaches. On rare occasions, fainting occurred after receiving the HPV vaccine. This also occurs with other types of approved vaccines.

HPV Vaccine Update (January 2026)

The Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) now recommends one dose of the HPV vaccine for children and adolescents, replacing the previous 2- or 3-dose schedule. This change cites new research showing one dose provides strong protection against cancer-causing HPV. However, the update has not been approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continues to recommend 2 to 3 doses. Learn more.

Why Parents May Be Hearing Mixed Messages

• The move was made by the HHS Secretary, bypassing the traditional recommendation process of the ACIP, which has caused confusion and concern.

• As a result, the AAP and other physician groups continue to recommend the multi-dose schedule.

What This Means for Families

• Safety: The vaccine remains safe; the update is about how many doses are needed.

• Coverage: Insurance, Medicaid, and the Vaccines for Children program are expected to cover the vaccine, though a second dose may not be required or covered.

• Global alignment: The U.S. now follows countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia, which already use a single-dose schedule.

Bottom line: Talk with your child’s pediatrician. They can help you decide what’s best for your child as guidance continues to evolve.

REACHING 80% VACCINATION 

VIDEO | PREVENTION: THE HPV VACCINE