HPV Vaccination

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can induce cellular mutations leading to various cancers such as cervical cancer, vaginal and vulvar cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer, as well as genital warts. There are more than 200 HPV genotypes, but not all of them are pathogenic. Both women and men—8 out of 10 people—are expected to acquire HPV at some point in their lives through sexual contact (both penetrative and non-penetrative). As age increases, the likelihood of HPV infection also rises due to a decline in immune function, reducing the body’s ability to clear the virus and increasing the risk of HPV-related diseases.

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How many types of HPV vaccines are available, and how do they differ?

HPV vaccines contain synthesized particles that mimic high-risk HPV strains commonly associated with cancer, stimulating the immune system to build protection. Currently, there are three types of HPV vaccines:

 

Bivalent vaccine: Protects against HPV types 16 and 18, with approximately 70% efficacy in preventing HPV-related cancers.

 

Quadrivalent vaccine: Protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. It prevents cancer at about 70% efficacy and also protects against genital warts.

 

9-valent vaccine*: Protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58, offering 90–94% efficacy in cancer prevention and protection against genital warts.

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Who should receive the HPV vaccine and when should vaccination begin?

HPV vaccination is recommended for everyone—both females and males—and can begin from ages 9 to 45. Maximum protection is achieved when the vaccine is administered before sexual activity or prior to viral exposure. Full protection develops four weeks after the final dose.

 

Ages 9–15:
Recommended two-dose schedule, with the second dose administered 6–12 months after the first. Immune response in this age group is stronger than in adults.

 

Ages 15 and above:
Recommended three-dose schedule at 0, 2, and 6 months.

Is cervical cancer screening required before vaccination?

No. Cervical cancer screening or HPV testing is not required before receiving the vaccine, as not all detected strains are clinically significant. However, routine cervical cancer screening remains essential even after vaccination to maintain optimal protection.

 

Can you still receive the HPV vaccine if you already have an HPV infection?

Yes. Vaccination is recommended even if you have previously been infected. The body can naturally clear HPV within 1–2 years, meaning reinfection with the same genotype is possible. Additionally, HPV encompasses multiple high-risk strains; vaccination protects against strains you have not yet acquired.

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How long does vaccine protection last? Is a booster dose necessary?

Research shows that immunity from a complete vaccine series can last 10–20 years. Currently, no booster dose is recommended. A full vaccination series is considered to provide lifelong protection.

 

If you previously received the bivalent or quadrivalent vaccine, can you still receive the 9-valent vaccine?

Yes. Receiving the 9-valent vaccine afterward can increase and broaden protection.

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Should men receive the HPV vaccine?

Yes. HPV vaccination is recommended for men because HPV can be transmitted through sexual contact and may cause:

• Genital warts

• Anal cancer

• Penile cancer

• Oropharyngeal cancer

Currently, there is no specific HPV cancer screening method for men, and condoms reduce the risk by only about 60%, meaning many cases are detected only once the disease has progressed. Vaccination is therefore the most effective prevention strategy, reducing disease risk and lowering transmission to partners. Recommended vaccines for men include the quadrivalent or 9-valent formulations.

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Summary

Cervical cancer is preventable!
HPV vaccination combined with regular cervical cancer screening significantly reduces the risk of disease.

• HPV vaccination is recommended for everyone—women and men.

• Vaccination should begin at age 9, with best results when the full series is completed before exposure to HPV.

• Individuals who have tested positive for HPV or have precancerous cervical lesions can still receive the vaccine***, as it reduces reinfection risk and protects against additional high-risk strains not previously acquired.