Missed the HPV vaccine? Maybe it’s not too late

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is not just for preteens, teens, and young adults. Although it’s best to get vaccinated early, many adults are surprised to learn that they may still have the opportunity to protect themselves later in life. In 2006, HPV vaccination was only recommended for girls and women under 26 years old. include adults – men and women – aged 27 to 45 under a shared decision-making model. This means that you and your doctor decide together whether the vaccine is right for you.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976296d5eadb7-8f98-4b68-b3d4-8a8f22778eee Since 2019, there has been a large increase in HPV vaccination among adults this age. group.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629bc29bbdc-c65a-4d78-9bf5-eb24f51512e5 If you missed your routine HPV vaccination for any reason, you may still have a chance to be protected against future HPV-related infections and cancers. Why HPV vaccination is still important for adults HPV vaccination in adults is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. point. Most infections go away on their own, but some can persist and cause cancer. Each year in the United States, HPV causes approximately: e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297bf82139-a325-4aea-9451-ac7d2c7f751d 11,000 cases of cervical cancer 7,000 cases of anal cancer 15,000 cases of mouth and throat cancer (head and neck cancer) Thousands more cases of vaginal, vulvar, and penile cancers The Gardasil 9 vaccine (also called the 9-valent HPV vaccine) protects against seven high-risk types of HPV that cause the majority of these cancers, as well as two types of HPV that cause genital cancers. warts.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b767341a-9477-4280-a635-972ce1d3cab5 Even if you’ve been sexually active for years, you probably haven’t been exposed to all vaccinated virus strains. cover.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762907dac5d2-bc8c-4e25-a92b-83616a9c3547 This means you can still have significant protection, even in your 30s or 40s, against HPV types you haven’t encountered yet. For some adults, especially those with a new partner or those who might be exposed to HPV in the future, vaccination could help prevent infections that might otherwise turn into cancer years later. HPV Vaccination Schedule HPV Vaccination Schedule The HPV vaccine is routinely recommended between ages 11 and 12, although it can be started as early as age 9. “Catch-up” vaccination is recommended up to age 26. After that (from 27 to 45 years old), it is no longer administered automatically. You and your doctor should have a conversation to decide together if this is right for you. The number of doses administered will depend on the age at which you start the vaccination series: 9 to 14 years: Two doses spaced 6 to 12 months apart. 15 years or older: three doses over six months. Is HPV vaccination right for you? Is it good for you? Research has shown that HPV vaccination is safe and can still provide protection later in life. Instead, you and your doctor can discuss it together, reviewing the potential benefits and limitations of HPV vaccination. You can start the conversation with your doctor for any reason, says Jessica S. Wells, PhD, RN, associate professor of nursing and certified nurse practitioner in women’s health at Emory University School of Nursing in Atlanta. “It’s common for adults to go through changes in their lives – such as starting a new relationship after a divorce or changes in their partnership – that can influence their health needs. When patients share these kinds of experiences, it opens the door to discuss how to help them stay protected, including from new HPV exposure and infection,” she says. “Our goal is to support your decision with good information,” says Dr. Wells. In practice, this means you may need to talk about it first. Not all clinicians will automatically mention HPV vaccination if you are an elderly person. But if you ask, they will let you know if it might still make sense for you. How to Take the First Step If you’re curious about getting HPV vaccination, here are some first steps you can take to learn more: Explore your options. Look for a reliable resource, like this free HPV Vaccine Decide tool developed by researchers at the University of Texas School of Public Health, San Antonio. This can help you think about your personal situation and decide whether HPV vaccination may be right for you. Think about your vaccination history. If you are unsure whether you have received the HPV vaccine, you can check your state’s immunization registry with the Department of Health or ask your current and past clinics where you may have been vaccinated. Ask a clinician. The next time you go to a doctor or pharmacy, ask if you are eligible. You might say, “I’m interested in the HPV vaccine. Can we go ahead if that’s OK?” What to Remember There are many types of HPV, and the vaccine can protect you against types of HPV to which you have not yet been exposed. Skipping the HPV vaccine as a child or in your early 20s doesn’t mean you missed your chance. If you are between 27 and 45 years old and not fully vaccinated against HPV, you may still be able to get vaccinated. Talk to your doctor or other clinician about whether you might still benefit from HPV vaccination to decide together if it makes sense for you.