Maybe. Your child might not have been fully immunized against HPV if he/she got just two doses of the vaccine while he/she was still in high school. This is called “”vaccine overload.”” As a result, your child might have gotten only partial protection against the virus. That’s why it’s important that all three doses be given to adolescents when they are 11 or 12.
But don’t worry too much. Getting two doses of the vaccine doesn’t mean your child won’t be protected against HPV and/or won’t get cancer, even if he or she has sex in the future. It just means that they might not be fully protected. Similar to getting the meningitis vaccine when you’re 15, your child will need to receive all three doses – at least six months apart – before getting his or her booster shot about a year after the last dose.
Adults 19 to 49 years old need two doses of HPV vaccine separated by at least six months. The vaccine should be given before starting any new sexual relationships.
Preteens and teens who have already completed the three-dose series do not need another dose. If your child has not received all of the doses of HPV vaccine, he or she should still get vaccinated if it’s been more than five years since the first dose was given. Your child may need a booster shot later in life to ensure he or she is protected from the types of HPV that cause cancer.