Why do some people worry about the HPV vaccine?

The CDC says it is aware of public concern about the vaccine's safety. It points to monitoring by CDC, FDA and other groups since 2006 that has documented a reassuring safety record, and says findings from more than 160 studies support its safety.

Will the HPV vaccine treat HPV I already have?

No. The CDC says the vaccine will not treat existing HPV or genital warts. It works best when given before a person is exposed to the virus, and the CDC says it can prevent most genital warts in people who haven't yet been exposed to the wart-causing types.

Can I get the vaccine if I have a cold?

Usually yes. The CDC says the vaccine is safe for children who are mildly ill, such as with a cold, runny nose, cough or a low-grade fever under 101 degrees. People with a moderate or severe illness should wait until they are better.

Does the HPV vaccine affect fertility?

The CDC and FDA have not found any proof that HPV vaccines cause reproductive problems in women, including primary ovarian insufficiency. The CDC also points out that cervical cancer treatment can keep a person from becoming pregnant, so preventing it protects fertility.

HPV Vaccine Side Effects and How Many Doses You Need

HPV vaccination prevents the infections that most often cause cancer. It works best before a person is exposed to the virus, which is why it is recommended for preteens. Questions about the number of shots and about side effects come up often, so here is what the CDC says.

How many doses of the HPV vaccine do I need?

It depends on the age you start, and on your immune system. The CDC’s recommendations are:

Ages 11 to 12 (can start at 9): 2 doses, with the second given 6 to 12 months after the first. Only 2 doses are needed if the first was given before the 15th birthday.
Ages 9 to 14 with 2 doses less than 5 months apart: a third dose is needed.
Ages 15 to 26 starting later: 3 doses, given over 6 months.
Weakened immune system, ages 9 to 26: 3 doses.
Ages 27 to 45: vaccination isn’t recommended for everyone. Some adults who haven’t been vaccinated may decide to get it after talking with their doctor about their risk of new HPV infections. The CDC notes it provides less benefit at these ages, because more people have already been exposed to HPV.

The vaccine given in the US is Gardasil 9, which protects against nine HPV types. If you aren’t sure about your own history, ask your clinician or look up your vaccination record.

What are the side effects of the HPV vaccine?

Many people have no side effects at all. The CDC says the most common ones are usually mild:

pain, redness or swelling in the arm where the shot was given
fever
dizziness or fainting
headache or feeling tired
nausea
muscle or joint pain

The CDC notes that swelling and redness at the injection site may be more common after Gardasil 9 than after the older vaccine, and that these reactions increased with each dose in studies.

Why do people faint after the HPV shot?

The CDC says fainting after any vaccine, including HPV vaccine, is more common among adolescents than others. To prevent falls and injuries, the CDC advises that teens sit or lie down during the shot and stay that way for 15 minutes afterward.

Can the HPV vaccine cause serious reactions?

Rarely. The CDC says severe allergic reactions after vaccination are rare but can be life-threatening. Signs can include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness and weakness, and these need a 911 call.

For other conditions people ask about, the CDC says:

The risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome after HPV vaccination is extremely rare.
Monitoring has not detected safety concerns related to POTS (a condition causing lightheadedness and a fast heartbeat when standing).
The evidence does not support a causal link between HPV vaccines and complex regional pain syndrome, or between Gardasil and death.

Is the HPV vaccine safe?

The CDC says findings from many safety monitoring systems and more than 160 studies show a favorable safety profile. Gardasil 9 was studied in clinical trials with more than 15,000 participants before it was licensed and is still monitored.

It also works. The CDC says the vaccine has the potential to prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV, and that people who got it were followed for about 12 years with protection remaining high.

If you think you’ve had a side effect, tell your clinician. Anyone can also submit a report to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), which CDC and FDA co-manage.

Who should not get the HPV vaccine?

The CDC says to tell your doctor about any severe allergies. Some people should not get some HPV vaccines if they:

have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to an ingredient of an HPV vaccine or to a previous dose,
have a yeast allergy (for Gardasil and Gardasil 9), or
are pregnant.

HPV vaccines are not approved or recommended in pregnancy, but the CDC says that if you receive a dose before learning you’re pregnant, there’s no reason to be alarmed. Our guide to HPV and pregnancy has more.

How much does the HPV vaccine cost?

Most health insurance plans cover vaccines, but check with your insurer first. The vaccine is given by a doctor, clinician or pharmacist, so ask one of them about getting it.

Does it help if I already have HPV?

It won’t treat an existing infection or warts, according to the CDC, and it works best before exposure. For what happens with an infection you already have, see our guide on whether HPV can be cured or go away on its own.

This guide is general information written by a patient advocate using public health sources. It is not a diagnosis. Only a clinician who examines you, or a lab test, can tell you what you have. Read how we write and check our guides.

HPV Vaccine: Side Effects and How Many Doses

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