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In this Article

• What is the HPV vaccine?
• Who should get the HPV vaccine?
• Are there other HPV vaccines in development?
• How and when is the vaccine delivered?
• Is the HPV vaccine effective?
• Is the HPV vaccine safe?
• Does the vaccine contain thimerosal or mercury?
• How long does vaccine protection last? Will a booster shot be needed?
• Will girls/women be protected against HPV and related diseases, even if they don't get all three doses?
• If a woman turns 27 years of age after the first dose of HPV was administered but before the third doses is administered, should the series be completed?
• Does the vaccine protect against cervical cancer?
• How common is cervical cancer?
• Will the girls/women who have been vaccinated still need cervical cancer screening?
• Why is the vaccine only recommended for girls/women ages 9 through 26?
• Why is HPV vaccine recommended for girls 11 to 12 years of age?
• Should pregnant women be vaccinated?
• What about vaccinating males?
• Will my child be required to get the vaccine before she enters school?
• How much will the HPV vaccine cost?
• Will the vaccine be covered by insurance plans?
• How can I get the vaccine if I don't have insurance?
• Gardasil HPV Vaccine Index

Will the girls/women who have been vaccinated still need cervical cancer screening?

Yes, they will still need to see their healthcare provider for cervical cancer screening. There are three reasons why women will still need regular cervical cancer screening. First, the vaccine will NOT provide protection against all types of HPV that cause cervical cancer, so women will still be at risk for some cancers. Second, some women may not get all required doses of the vaccine (or they may not get them at the right times), so they may not get the vaccine's full benefits. Third, women may also not get the vaccine's full benefits if they have already acquired a vaccine HPV type.

Why is the vaccine only recommended for girls/women ages 9 through 26?

The vaccine has been extensively tested in 9 through 26 year-old females so information is only available about vaccine safety and protection for girls/women of this age group. However, studies on the vaccine are now being done in boys/men, as well as in women older than 26 years of age. The FDA will consider licensing the vaccine for these other groups when there is research to show that it is safe and effective in these groups.

Why is HPV vaccine recommended for girls 11 to 12 years of age?

It is important for girls to get HPV vaccine before they become sexually active. The vaccine is most effective for girls/women who get vaccinated before their first sexual contact. It does not work as well for those who were exposed to the virus before getting the vaccine. However, most women will still benefit from getting the vaccine because they will be protected against other virus types contained in the vaccine.

Should pregnant women be vaccinated?

The vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women. There has only been limited information about vaccine safety among pregnant women and their unborn babies. So far, studies suggest that the vaccine has not caused health problems during pregnancy, nor has it caused health problems for the child. But more research is still needed. For now, pregnant women should wait to complete their pregnancy before getting the vaccine. If a women finds out she is pregnant after she has started getting the vaccine series, she should wait until after her pregnancy is completed to finish the three-dose series.