This topic is for adults ages 18 to 45 who have not had the HPV vaccine. For children and teens younger than 18, see the topic HPV: Should My Child Get the Vaccine?
HPV stands for human papillomavirus. You can get HPV by having sex or skin-to-skin genital contact with someone who has the virus. Infection with HPV is common, especially among young people. But most people never know they have the virus, because it may not cause any symptoms.
There are more than 100 types of human papillomavirus. Some types of HPV lead to cervical cancer or genital warts.
The HPV vaccines can help protect people from being infected with some of the most common types of the virus.
The HPV vaccine is given to adults in a series of 3 shots. For the vaccine to work best, you need to get all the shots.
The vaccine doesn't treat an HPV infection. But it may protect a person against types of the HPV virus other than the one causing the infection.
Health insurance may cover all or part of the cost of the vaccine. But if you don't have health insurance, check with your local health department, clinic, or hospital about getting low-cost vaccine.
The best time to get the vaccine is before you become sexually active. But it also protects against HPV after you're sexually active (if you haven't already been infected). When the vaccine is given before you become sexually active, it can prevent almost all infection by the types of HPV the vaccine guards against.
The HPV vaccine is recommended up to age 26. If you are age 27 to 45, ask your doctor if you might benefit from the HPV vaccine.2
There are many types of HPV. Some types of the virus can cause genital warts. Other types can cause cervical or oral cancer and some uncommon cancers, such as vaginal and anal cancer. The HPV vaccine protects against the most common HPV types that can cause serious problems.3
The HPV vaccines were tested in thousands of people before being approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and there were no serious side effects. You can't get HPV from the vaccine, and it doesn't contain mercury.
The HPV vaccine series is long-lasting. At this time, there is no evidence that protection decreases over time.1
Some people may have mild side effects such as a low-grade fever and soreness in the arm where the shot was given. But neither lasts long. Your doctor may have you stay in the office for up to 15 minutes after the shot is given, to watch for any reactions.
Get the HPV vaccine | Don't get the HPV vaccine | |
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What is usually involved?
| What is usually involved?
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What are the benefits?
| What are the benefits?
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What are the risks and side effects?
| What are the risks and side effects?
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Are you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These personal stories may help you decide.
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
"Getting some shots doesn't seem like that big of a deal if it will keep me from getting genital warts. So I'm going to get the HPV shots."
— Greg, age 20
"I'm not going to get the shots, because I don't plan on having sex until I'm in a long-term relationship. I don't think I'm at much risk of getting HPV."
— Jennifer, age 18.
"I want to do everything I can to prevent cervical cancer, so I want to get the vaccinations."
— Tracy, age 23
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to have the HPV vaccine
Reasons not to have the HPV vaccine
I want to do everything I can to prevent cervical cancer for myself and genital warts for my partner or me.
I don't feel I need the vaccine.
I feel that the vaccine is safe.
I'm concerned about side effects.
I don't want to take the chance of getting a lifelong infection.
I feel that my chance of getting HPV is low, and I'll manage it if I ever get it.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Getting the HPV vaccine
NOT getting the HPV vaccine
1. The HPV vaccine will protect me from all types of HPV.
2. The HPV vaccine can prevent some types of HPV infection even if I'm already sexually active.
3. I need to get three shots of the HPV vaccine.
1. Do you understand the options available to you?
2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
Current as of: June 12, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.