Complete HPV vaccination
Vaccination prevents new HPV infections that can later cause cervical and several other cancers.
The number, drawn
HPV vaccination could prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV
Why it matters
Some HPV infections persist and eventually cause cancer. CDC estimates vaccination could prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV, but it does not treat an existing infection. The greatest benefit comes before exposure; catch-up vaccination is recommended through age 26 in the US.
How to do it
- Find your vaccine record and check whether the HPV series is complete.
- If unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated through age 26, arrange catch-up under CDC guidance or your local programme.
- At ages 27 to 45, discuss likely benefit with a clinician rather than assuming routine vaccination is needed.
- Complete the dose schedule for your age at the first dose and immune status.
Postpone HPV vaccination during pregnancy. Vaccination does not replace cervical screening; adults over 26 generally have less benefit.
Do it
Pick the time you have. Anything beats nothing.
Start with the time you have
5 minutes
Check your HPV vaccination record or request it from your clinic or school vaccination service.
15 minutes
Ask a vaccination service about local catch-up eligibility; share your previous doses, age at vaccination, pregnancy and immune conditions.
A plan
Check and complete your local schedule
- Find your dose record or ask a service to help reconstruct it.
- Have a vaccinator check local eligibility and whether more doses are needed.
- Book the recommended appointments and record each dose.
- Continue cervical screening if you are eligible, even after vaccination.
In real life
- Ask your former school vaccination service or GP for a record if you cannot remember having HPV vaccination.
- Bring the dates of any HPV doses so the vaccinator can check whether your local schedule is complete.
Watch out for
- Common mistakeDose schedules differ by country and immune status, so ask a vaccinator rather than copying someone else's schedule.
- Common mistakeVaccination does not treat an existing HPV infection, so continue any advised screening or follow-up.
Trusted guides
In Czechia
In Czechia, HPV vaccination is fully covered for girls and boys when the course starts between the 11th and the 15th birthday, with an exception for doses delayed by ill health. It is given by a contracted provider, usually the GP.
In Germany, STIKO recommends HPV vaccination at 9 to 14 years, as two doses at least 5 months apart. Missed doses should be caught up as soon as possible before the 18th birthday; starting from 15 needs 3 doses.
Bundesinstitut für Öffentliche Gesundheit, infektionsschutz.de checked
In Spain, HPV vaccination is one dose at age 12, with catch-up for unvaccinated males and females up to 18 inclusive. Some risk groups are vaccinated up to 45, and women treated for a high-grade cervical lesion (CIN2+) get 3 doses at any age.
Ministerio de Sanidad checked
In the Netherlands, HPV vaccination is given around age 10 as 2 doses half a year apart, free until 18 at youth healthcare (JGZ). From 18 you arrange it yourself, for example via the GP, and pay for it.
RIVM, Rijksvaccinatieprogramma checked
In Poland, HPV vaccination is free from age 9 until the 14th birthday (Cervarix or Gardasil 9), and Cervarix is fully reimbursed from 14 until the 18th birthday. From 18 the vaccine is available with 50% payment.
Ministerstwo Zdrowia checked
In Ukraine, the national vaccination calendar has included HPV since 1 January 2026: one dose for girls aged 12 to 13 inclusive, and from age 9 for girls in risk groups. Calendar vaccination is provided free by the state.
Check usSources
- Evidence grade
- A Meta-analyses of randomised trials, or a major guideline consensus.
- Basis
- CDC vaccination guidance and evidence synthesis on HPV cancer prevention
- The number
- HPV vaccination could prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV (CDC, 2024)
- Tier 1 guidelineHPV Vaccine RecommendationsCDC, 2024
- Tier 1 guidelineClinical Overview of HPVCDC, 2024
General health information, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan. Personalization changes the order of suggestions; it does not assess your medical risks. Follow the cautions and consult a qualified clinician when needed.