If you didn’t receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine when you were a pre-teen/teenager, you may want to consider getting it as an adult, especially if you’re recently divorced or widowed and sexually active with a new partner. Not only does the vaccine protect against HPV infections, it also minimizes your risks of certain cancers. To shed more light on the benefits, age recommendations and dosage First turned to the doctors. Keep scrolling to find out everything you need to know about the HPV vaccine.
Should you get the HPV vaccine as an adult?
For those debating whether or not the HPV vaccine is worth getting, doctors are quick to say yes. “The HPV vaccination is a vaccine (administered through multiple doses that depend on the individual’s age) that protects against HPV infections and the subsequent cancers and/or genital warts that HPV infections can cause,” says Brynna Connor, MD, Healthcare Ambassador at NorthWestPharmacy.com.
Christy Haywood, MD, gynecologic oncologist at St. Dominic’s Gynecologic Oncology, also notes that Gardasil 9, the currently approved version, provides immunity to the seven most oncogenic (cancer-causing) HPV strains here in the United States and protects against two additional strains that cause genital warts. “The cancers potentially prevented include cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal and oropharyngeal,” says Dr. Haywood.
The HPV vaccine is safe and effective
“In clinical trials, it was nearly 100 percent effective in preventing HPV-related infections and HPV-related genital warts,” says Dr. Connor. Unlike other vaccinations, the HPV vaccine has no significant risks or side effects and will last for at least 10 years after the initial treatment. The Gardasil vaccine is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for men and women ages 9 to 45 years old.
HPV vaccine age requirements
While the HPV vaccine is typically administered to children between nine and 14, Dr. Haywood shares that it can also be given to younger adults and those up to age 45. “The best protection against cancer strains happens when an individual is vaccinated before any exposure to HPV,” she explains. “However, more than 50 percent of new exposures to HPV happen after age 25.”
If you haven’t been previously vaccinated or are at risk of contracting HPV, Dr. Connor suggests talking to your primary care physician about the benefits of the HPV vaccine. “While there isn’t anything to indicate that the vaccine would be detrimental to adults over 45, it’s not recommended to be administered unless there are extenuating circumstances.”
Even though the HPV vaccine is considered safe for most people with little to no side effects, it’s not recommended for pregnant women or those who have a severe reaction to any of the ingredients.
HPV vaccine dosing schedule
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “two doses of HPV vaccine are recommended for most persons” before they turn 15. However, three doses are administered to those between 26 and 45. Dr. Connor says the schedule is as follows: the second is given one to two months after the initial dose, and the third is given six months after the first.
It’s also important to understand that the timing of when each dose is administered is crucial for the vaccine’s efficacy, explains Dr. Connor. “Studies have shown the recommended dosage intervals are the ideal time for the body to provide a strong immune response to the vaccine, allowing the immune system to build up antibodies against the virus and helping to ensure long-term protection,” she says. “If the dosage interval timing is not followed accurately, it may result in a weakened immune response and, ultimately, a less effective vaccine.”
How to get the HPV vaccine
You can get the HPV vaccine from a physician, family healthcare provider or gynecologist, and most insurance providers will cover the cost up to age 26. Dr. Connor notes that many also provide coverage for adults ages 27-45 if their healthcare provider considers the vaccine medically necessary.
The list price of each dose of Gardasil is $286.78, which is typically covered by insurance. But if you’re uninsured or the vaccine is not covered, there are other options to help reduce the costs. These include:
- Affordable Care Act (ACA): This is available for individuals under 26 and will fully cover the vaccine.
- Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program: The pharmaceutical company that manufactures the vaccine covers the cost for individuals who meet certain requirements. Some of the conditions include being a U.S. adult age 19-45, not having insurance or other prescription medication coverage and having an annual household income below a certain threshold.
Other options include Planned Parenthood or local health departments that offer free or reduced HPV vaccinations.
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
