Do I really need HPV vaccine? Yes!
You should get HPV vaccine because it can prevent some
types of cancer and genital warts.
Do I need it if I haven’t had sex yet? Yes!
• You don’t have to have sex to catch HPV, but sex increases
your risk.
• You can get HPV by skin-to-skin inmate contact.
• People can get and spread HPV without knowing it.
• It’s best to get vaccinated before you ever have sex.
Should I get HPV vaccine if I’ve already
had sex? Yes!
You sll need to get vaccinated even if you have had sex.
The vaccine provides protecon against many HPV types.
Why do I need more than 1 shot?
You need a series of HPV shots to be fully protected.
I didn’t get the vaccine at age 11 or 12.
Should I get it now? Yes!
HPV vaccinaon is recommended for people ages 9 through
26. Even though it is ideal to get HPV vaccine at age
11–12, it is sll highly eecve in teens and young adults.
Is HPV vaccine safe? Yes!
• Millions of doses of HPV vaccine have
been given without any problem.
• You may get a sore arm.
• Occasionally, a few people faint, so sit
for 15 minutes aer geng the vaccine.
A Guide for Adults
Ages 18
–
26 Years
HPV
*
Vaccine
*
human papillomavirus
HPV is a very common virus that can lead to:
Cancers of the back of the throat, including
the base of the tongue and tonsils
Cancer of the cervix
Cancer of the penis, vagina, vulva, or anus
Genital warts
HPV vaccine can prevent these!
Adapted with permission from the Academic
Pediatric Associaon
Make sure
you get all your
HPV shots.
Complete your
series!
For more informaon on vaccines
for teens and young adults, visit
www.vaccineinformaon.org/teens
or www.vaccineinformaon.org/
adults
When Should I Get HPV Vaccine?
Make sure your healthcare provider reviews with you when you should be vaccinated.
age at first dose dose #2 dose #3
9 years unl 15th birthday 6–12 months aer dose #1 Not needed
15 years or older 1–2 months aer dose #1
At least 4 months
aer
dose #2
note: If you have problems with your immune system,
you will need to receive 3 doses of HPV vaccine.
FOR PROFESSIONALS www.immunize.org / FOR THE PUBLIC www.vaccineinformation.org
www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4251.pdf
Item #4251 (1/15/2024)
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