THE VACCINATION CONVERSATION
What is the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine can help save lives. It helps protect against HPV infections as well as certain types of cancers.¹⁹
WHY VACCINATE?
The HPV vaccine helps save lives.¹⁹
Vaccination helps protect young girls and adults from certain types of HPV-related
cancers that may affect them later in life.¹⁹,²²
WHO SHOULD GET THE HPV VACCINE?
Young girls and
women from ages
9 to 26 years
Children aged 9 years can start getting the HPV vaccine, but vaccination is normally a routine, recommended at ages 11 or 12.²²
Women aged
27 to 45 years
HPV vaccination is not recommended for all women in this age because they may have been exposed to the virus already. However, patients who were not adequately vaccinated before can discuss the option of getting vaccinated with a healthcare professional.²²
Pregnant women
There is no evidence that vaccination will affect a pregnancy or harm a baby, but it is not recommended to take the HPV vaccine during pregnancy.²²
Breastfeeding
Maternal vaccination with human papillomavirus vaccine is not a contraindication to breastfeeding.²³
GETTING THE HPV
VACCINE²⁴
HPV vaccine is usually injected into the muscle of the upper arm or at the side of the upper area of the thigh. The recommended site of administration is the upper arm. The vaccine should not be injected within the vein, into the skin layers or right under the skin.
HPV vaccine schedule and dosing ²⁵
Routine
Vaccination
Age 11-12 years, can be started at age 9 years.
Catch-up
Vaccination
Age 13-26 years, if not adequately vaccinated.
Shared clinical
decision-making
Some adults aged 27-45 years, if not adequately vaccinated previously.
A 2-dose schedule is recommended for girls who get the first dose before age 15 years.
A 3-dose schedule is recommended for girls and women:
• Who get the first dose at or after 15 years of age.
• With certain immunocompromising conditions.