VACCINE INFORMATION STATEMENT

Many vaccine information statements are 

available in Spanish and other languages. 

See www.immunize.org/vis

Hojas de información sobre vacunas están 

disponibles en español y en muchos otros 

idiomas. Visite www.immunize.org/vis

U.S. Department of 

Health and Human Services 

Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention 

1. Why get vaccinated?

HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine can prevent 

infection with some types of human papillomavirus.

HPV infections can cause certain types of cancers, 

including:

 cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in women

 penile cancer in men

 anal cancers in both men and women

 cancers of tonsils, base of tongue, and back of 

throat (oropharyngeal cancer) in both men 

and women

HPV infections can also cause anogenital warts.

HPV vaccine can prevent over 90% of cancers caused 

by HPV.

HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin or 

sexual contact. HPV infections are so common that 

nearly all people will get at least one type of HPV 

at some time in their lives. Most HPV infections go 

away on their own within 2 years. But sometimes 

HPV infections will last longer and can cause 

cancers later in life.

2. HPV vaccine

HPV vaccine is routinely recommended for 

adolescents at 11 or 12 years of age to ensure they are 

protected before they are exposed to the virus. HPV 

vaccine may be given beginning at age 9 years and 

vaccination is recommended for everyone through 

26 years of age.

HPV vaccine may be given to adults 27 through 

45 years of age, based on discussions between the 

patient and health care provider.

Most children who get the first dose before 15 years 

of age need 2 doses of HPV vaccine. People who 

get the first dose at or after 15 years of age and 

younger people with certain immunocompromising 

conditions need 3 doses. Your health care provider 

can give you more information.

HPV vaccine may be given at the same time as 

other vaccines.

3. Talk with your health 

care provider

Tell your vaccination provider if the person getting 

the vaccine:

 Has had an allergic reaction after a previous 

dose of HPV vaccine, or has any severe, lifethreatening allergies

 Is pregnant—HPV vaccine is not recommended 

until after pregnancy

In some cases, your health care provider may decide 

to postpone HPV vaccination until a future visit.

People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be 

vaccinated. People who are moderately or severely ill 

should usually wait until they recover before getting 

HPV vaccine.

Your health care provider can give you more 

information.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine: 

What You Need to Know
OFFICE 

USE 

ONLY

42 U.S.C. § 300aa-26

8/6/2021

Vaccine Information Statement

HPV Vaccine

4. Risks of a vaccine reaction

 Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot 

is given can happen after HPV vaccination.

 Fever or headache can happen after HPV 

vaccination.

People sometimes faint after medical procedures, 

including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel 

dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.

As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance 

of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other 

serious injury, or death.

5. What if there is a serious 

problem?

An allergic reaction could occur after the 

vaccinated person leaves the clinic. If you see signs 

of a severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the 

face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, 

dizziness, or weakness), call 9-1-1 and get the person 

to the nearest hospital.

For other signs that concern you, call your health 

care provider.

Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine 

Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your 

health care provider will usually file this report, or 

you can do it yourself. Visit the VAERS website at 

www.vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS 

is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff 

members do not give medical advice.

6. The National Vaccine Injury 

Compensation Program

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program 

(VICP) is a federal program that was created to 

compensate people who may have been injured by 

certain vaccines. Claims regarding alleged injury or 

death due to vaccination have a time limit for filing, 

which may be as short as two years. Visit the VICP 

website at www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation or 

call 1-800-338-2382 to learn about the program and 

about filing a claim.

7. How can I learn more?

 Ask your health care provider.

 Call your local or state health department.

 Visit the website of the Food and Drug 

Administration (FDA) for vaccine package 

inserts and additional information at 

www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/vaccines.

 Contact the Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention (CDC):

-Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or

-Visit CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines.