St. Jude Research

A Future Free of HPV Cancers

HPV VACCINE PLANNING

RURAL COMMUNITIES

GET VACCINATED

HPV Vaccine Schedule: Ages 9-12 Need Only 2 Doses

Sophia wonders if ants ever take naps.

Not about HPV cancers.

Kids aren’t thinking about HPV vaccination—that’s why you need to.

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Why Timing Matters

Vaccinate On-Time, Protect Forever

Stronger Immune Response

HPV vaccination starting at age 9 produces the 
highest antibody levels for maximum HPV cancer protection.

Fewer Shots Needed

Only 2 doses required before age 15 versus 
3 doses for older teens 
and adults.

Protection Before Exposure

The HPV vaccine is preventive. Get the most protection before possible HPV exposure.

THE RIGHT AGE, THE RIGHT PROTECTION

HPV Vaccination Schedule

HPV vaccination is routinely recommended for everyone ages 9-26. Vaccination between ages 9-12 provides the strongest immune response with just two doses and maximum protection before any exposure occurs. Adults ages 27-45 should talk to their health care provider about whether HPV vaccination is right for them.

On Time

Age 9-12

Two doses, 6-12 months apart—the optimal schedule that provides complete protection with fewer shots.


Late

Age 13-14

Two doses, 6-12 months apart—still effective but missing the strongest immune response window of younger ages.

Late Extra Dose

Age: 15-17

Three doses required (0, 1-2, and 6 months)—an additional dose is needed when starting later for full protection.


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Clearing the Air About HPV Vaccination

It is normal to have questions! Many common concerns are rooted in myths that have been widely spread on social media and digital platforms. Learn the facts about HPV vaccination so you can feel confident making your decision.

  1. Myth One

    Myth

    "What if this vaccine hasn't been tested enough and could harm my child?"

    Truth

    Over 45,000 clinical trial participants show that the HPV vaccine is safe and effective. Vaccines can have side effects; while many individuals have none, some may experience a sore arm just like the flu vaccine.

  2. Myth Two

    Myth

    "Does this vaccine actually prevent cancer, 
or is that just marketing?"

    Truth

    HPV vaccination prevents 90% of HPV-related cancers, including those of the throat, cervix, anus, vagina, vulva, and penis. Studies show almost no new cervical cancer cases in girls vaccinated on time.

  3. Myth Three

    Myth

    "Boys don't get cervical cancer - 
why would my son need this vaccine?"

    Truth

    HPV affects everyone – both males and females – and can cause throat, anal, and penile cancers in men. Throat cancer is the most common HPV cancer in the United States, with 85% of cases in men.

  4. Myth Four

    Myth

    "My child is too young and not sexually active – can't this wait?"

    Truth

    On-time HPV vaccination protects best. Ages 9-12 produce the strongest immune response.

Download HPV FAQ

In Rural America, HPV Vaccination is Essential

Rural areas of the United States have higher rates of HPV cancers and lower rates of HPV vaccination. Vaccinating your child on-time means fewer doses and fewer trips when health care may be miles away.

Protect Your Child with Fewer Trips
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5 Things to Know about HPV Vaccination

5 Things to Know about HPV Vaccination

1 HPV vaccination is cancer prevention. It prevents six types of cancer affecting everyone.

2 It provides protection against 90% of HPV cancers.

3 Since it was first available in the United States 16 years ago, it's been shown to be a very safe tool to prevent six types of HPV cancers.

4 HPV vaccination is recommended for everyone age 9 to 26 and for some people age 27 to 45. The primary target group for HPV vaccination is age 9 to 12. For those in the older age group, talk to a health care provider to see if HPV vaccination is right for you.

5 Recently in the United States, oral cancer cases caused by HPV among men surpassed cervical cancer cases caused by HPV among women to become the most common HPV cancer. So, HPV vaccination is for everyone.

Schedule an HPV Vaccination Reminder 

Make sure you’re keeping your child on schedule for HPV vaccination. Schedule a reminder for their next vaccination appointment.
Rural Realities

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What does HPV have to do with cancer?

    Human papillomavirus, also called HPV, is one of the most common viruses. It can cause health problems like cancer, genital warts, and other HPV diseases. In fact, more than 40 types of HPV are linked to 6 types of cancers. These types of HPV are called high-risk, meaning high-risk for cancer. HPV cancers are found in everyone—both males and females. The cancers include certain oral or throat, cervical, anal, vulvar, vaginal, and penile cancers. Oral or throat cancer in males is the most common type of HPV cancer in the United States.

  2. How does HPV cause cancer?

    When the body’s immune system can’t fend off an HPV infection caused by high-risk types of HPV, the virus can build up, making normal cells become abnormal or precancerous. These cells can grow and multiply, causing cancer. The longer HPV stays in the body untreated, the more likely it is to cause such cell changes and lead to cancer.

  3. Who gets HPV?

    HPV is common. Almost everyone will be exposed at some point in their life. HPV vaccination is recommended for everyone. It prevents 90% of cancers caused by HPV infection — oral or throat, cervical, anal, vaginal, vulvar, and penile.

  4. Why should I be worried about HPV?

    HPV infection is very common and should be taken seriously because it can develop into six types of cancer, some of which are hard to detect until they are advanced.

  5. What kind of cancers can be caused by HPV?

    HPV cancers are found in everyone—both males and females. The cancers include certain oral or throat, cervical, anal, vulvar, vaginal, and penile cancers. Oral or throat cancer in males is the most common type of HPV cancer in the United States.

  6. Are HPV cancers preventable?

    Yes. Thanks to HPV vaccination, everyone ages 9-45 can protect themselves from HPV and the cancers that it can cause. More than 40,000 cases of HPV cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States, and 90% of these are preventable through on-time HPV vaccination by the 13th birthday. Talk to your health care provider today about HPV vaccination.

  7. Should boys receive the HPV vaccination?

    Oral or throat cancer in males is the most common type of HPV cancer in the United States. This type of HPV cancer occurs most often in males. This is why HPV vaccination is important for everyone -- boys and girls.

  8. My child is not yet sexually active—should I still vaccinate against HPV?

    Yes. Vaccination is most effective before sexual activity begins; it prevents infection but does not treat an existing one.

  9. Is the HPV vaccine safe for my child?

    HPV vaccines are safe. With more than 500 million doses administered worldwide, HPV vaccines are an effective method of preventing new cases of cancer. HPV vaccination today gives your child long-lasting protection against 6 types of HPV cancer.

  10. Are there any side effects of HPV vaccination?

    Common side effects include pain, swelling, and redness where the shot is given, plus occasional headaches, fatigue, nausea, or fainting.

  11. If my child is older than 13, is it too late for HPV vaccination?

    No. It is routinely recommended up to age 26, and adults 27–45 should talk with a health-care provider to see if it is right for them.

  12. How much does HPV vaccination cost, and where can my child get it?

    For most children the vaccine is free. It is available at doctors’ offices, community clinics, school-based health centers, and local health departments. Uninsured families can use programs like Vaccines for Children. Many pharmacies also offer it.

Resources for Parents and Caregivers

Get HPV Vaccination Reminders 

Don’t let your child’s window for on-time vaccination slip by. Schedule a reminder in your calendar, and make sure your child is protected.

Are You a Health Care Provider?

Show your support for HPV vaccination and help protect your patients and community from HPV cancers.

Visit our health care provider page