FAQ about HPV & HPV Vaccination

The HPV vaccine is important for both boys and girls because it protects against cancers and genital warts caused by the human papillomavirus. HPV causes most cervical and anal cancers and many throat, vaginal, vulvar and penile cancers.

The recommended ages for boys and girls to receive the HPV vaccine is 11 or 12, but it can be given as early as age 9. Catch-up vaccination is also recommended for everyone through age 26 if the vaccine was missed at the recommended time.

Children who start the series between 9 and 14 years of age should get two shots of the HPV vaccine six to twelve months apart. Adolescents who start the series after their 15th birthday will need three doses of the HPV vaccine.

It is best to start the HPV vaccine series at ages 11 to 12 for several reasons. First, there is a better immune response to the HPV vaccine at a younger age. Second, starting the HPV vaccine series at ages 11 to 12 helps ensure children are vaccinated before they are ever exposed to HPV. HPV vaccination offers the best protection against HPV-related cancer to girls and boys who complete the series.

Teen boys and girls who did not start or finish the HPV vaccine series when they were younger should get it now. Catch-up vaccination is recommended for everyone through age 26. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also licensed its use for women and men up to age 45. Talk to your doctor for more information if you fall in the 27 to 45 age range.

About 40% of people between the ages of 15 and 59 have HPV at any given time.

Research shows that vaccine protection is long-lasting. Current studies have followed vaccinated individuals for 12 years and show that there is no evidence of weakened protection over time.

Yes, the HPV vaccine is safe. HPV vaccination has been studied very carefully and continues to be monitored by the CDC and the FDA. More than 200 million doses of the HPV vaccine have been administered worldwide. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that the vaccine has caused any significant adverse events.

Like any vaccine or medicine, HPV vaccines can cause side effects. The most common side effects are pain, redness, or swelling in the arm where the shot was given; dizziness, fainting, nausea, and headache.

HPV vaccination is typically not associated with any serious side effects. The benefits of HPV vaccination far outweigh any potential risk of side effects.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for everyone through age 26. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also licensed its use for women and men up to age 45. Talk to your doctor for more information if you fall in the 27 to 45 age range.

• Primary Care Provider
• SC Department of Public Health clinics
• Hollings Mobile Vaccination Unit

Vaccine coverage through these vaccine programs can be obtained at SC Department of Public Health and federally qualified health systems clinics and through primary care providers who participate in these vaccine programs. If you have private insurance, contact your primary care provider to set up an appointment.

• Adolescents
  Almost all adolescents in South Carolina can receive the HPV vaccine through these vaccine programs:
  • Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program – Provides all childhood and adolescent vaccines to children 0 to 18 years who have Medicaid, don't have health insurance, or are American Indian/Alaska Native.
  • SC State Vaccine Program – Provides all childhood and adolescent vaccines (except meningococcal B vaccine) to children 0 to 18 years who are underinsured (health insurance doesn't cover vaccines) or insured hardship (health insurance deductible > $500.00 per child or > $1000.00 per family and it has not been met).
• Adults
  Adults may be able to receive the HPV vaccine through the Adult Vaccine Program.
  • Adults 19 to 26 years who are uninsured or who don’t have coverage for vaccines
  • For appointments, call: (855) 472-3432.
  • Adults up to age 46 can speak with their doctors to see if HPV vaccination makes sense in their circumstances.

Talk to your child’s doctor or nurse to learn more about the HPV vaccine. You can also find out more at the CDC website.