Can You Still Catch Up on the HPV Vaccine? Doctors Stress Completing Two Doses Is Key to Building Protection and Reducing Cancer Risk

Children who missed the recommended HPV vaccine schedule can still catch up and gain protection against HPV-related cancers, with two doses providing effective immunity when completed by age 26, according to current CDC guidelines and recent research confirming the vaccine’s lasting protection.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is recommended for routine administration at ages 11 or 12, but vaccination can begin as early as age 9. For individuals who were not vaccinated earlier, the CDC advises catch-up vaccination through age 26. This recommendation is based on more than 15 years of data showing the vaccine provides safe, effective and long-lasting protection against cancers caused by HPV infections.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, and certain cancer-causing types can lead to cervical cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, and anus. The vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV, but it still offers significant benefit for those who initiate vaccination later, as long as they complete the series before age 27.

Recent studies have confirmed that two doses of the HPV vaccine provide the same level of immune protection as three doses, with no additional boosters needed. Research led by scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that the two-dose regimen offers durable protection, simplifying the vaccination process while maintaining effectiveness.

a 2026 NIH-funded clinical trial involving over 20,000 girls aged 12 to 16 in Costa Rica found that a single dose of the HPV vaccine provided protection comparable to the standard two-dose regimen. While the current U.S. Recommendation remains two doses for most adolescents, these findings support ongoing evaluation of simplified dosing schedules that could improve vaccine accessibility globally.

For individuals aged 27 through 45 who were not adequately vaccinated earlier, the CDC notes that some may decide to get the HPV vaccine after discussion with their clinician. However, vaccination in this age range provides less benefit because more people have already been exposed to HPV, reducing the vaccine’s potential preventive impact.

Public health efforts continue to emphasize that HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections but does not treat existing infections or diseases. Healthcare providers are encouraged to recommend the HPV vaccine in the same way and on the same day as other adolescent vaccines to improve uptake and ensure timely protection.

Completing the HPV vaccine series, whether starting at age 9 or catching up later, remains a critical step in reducing the risk of HPV-related cancers. With flexible dosing options and strong evidence of long-term efficacy, the vaccine offers a powerful tool for cancer prevention that is accessible to most adolescents and young adults who initiate vaccination in time.