Types of HPV Vaccines

There are three HPV vaccines licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All three HPV vaccines protect against HPV types 16 and 18 which cause most HPV cancers.

Since late 2016, only Gardasil-9 (9vHPV) has been distributed in the United States. This vaccine protects against nine cancer-causing HPV types (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58).

Gardasil-9 is an HPV vaccine that protects against anogenital warts, and most cases of cancer caused by HPV. It protects against cancer of the vagina, vulva, penis, or anus caused by HPV. The vaccine also protects against mouth, throat, head, and neck cancers caused by HPV.

It can be given to people aged 9 years and older up to age 45. Gardasil-9 can be given at the same time as other recommended vaccines. The HPV vaccine gives the body a safe way to build immune system awareness of some HPV strains. This means the body has an easier time getting rid of HPV if a person gets infected at any time.

If your child is at least 9 years old, you should be talking to your healthcare provider about starting their HPV vaccine series TODAY!

HPV vaccine is cancer prevention!

Possible Side Effects

Like any vaccine or medicine, HPV vaccines can have side effects. The most common side effects are mild and include:

• Pain, redness, or swelling in the arm where the shot was given
• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea
• Headache

HPV Vaccine is SAFE! With more than 135 million doses distributed in the United States, the HPV vaccine has a reassuring safety record backed by over 15 years of monitoring and research.

The benefits of HPV vaccination far outweigh the risk of potential side effects.

Click here to learn more about HPV Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness

Other Resources

About HPV Infections │ CDC
HPV Vaccine │ CDC
Cancers caused by HPV │ CDC
HPV vaccine: Who needs it, how it works │ Mayo Clinic
Your Child’s Immunizations: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine │ kidshealth.org
HPV Infection │ Mayo Clinic
HPV Vaccine Safety │ CDC
Penile Cancer │ National Cancer Institute
Anal Cancer │ National Cancer Institute
HPV and Oropharyngeal Cancer │ CDC
Cervical Cancer │ CDC
Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers │ CDC