Who Is the Vaccine for and When Should It Be Given?
HPV vaccine is generally recommended for girls and boys between ages 11 and 12. This age is ideal because it offers protection before they become sexually active. The vaccine can also be given to 9 year old kids. A catch-up vaccination is given to people who did not receive it as a kid. The recommended catch-up age ends at 26 years. After 26, there is no evidence that vaccination may help prevent HPV. Most people older than 26 have already been exposed to HPV so the vaccine will not be useful anymore.
There are exceptions. For example, if you were not sexually active in your teens or early 20s but you have several sexual partners in your late 20s or 30s, then the vaccine may help prevent HOV. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider to know if you can get the vaccine.
The HPV vaccine is administered as multiple shots. Children between ages 9 and 14 get two doses, 6 to 12 months apart. People between the ages of 15 and 45 or those who have weak immune systems get three doses, given over 6 months.