The HPV vaccine guards against the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to six different types of cancer later in life. When it hit the U.S. market in 2006, it was only administered to girls, but today it’s recommended for girls, boys and certain adults, as well. Read on for the latest guidelines from the CDC, released in August 2019.
- Boys and girls should receive the first dose of the HPV vaccine when they’re 11 or 12 years old, with a second dose six to 12 months later.
- For unvaccinated teens and young adults, a “catch-up” HPV vaccine (consisting of three doses) should be completed by age 26.
- Most unvaccinated adults age 27 and above do not need the vaccine, though it may be recommended on a case-by-case basis.
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