HPV Vaccines: Prevention, Coverage, and Access

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine serves as the first and only vaccination designed to protect individuals from several types of cancers associated with different HPV strains. Since its introduction to the United States in 2006, the vaccine has evolved to cover more strains of the virus, and the required dosage for many patients has decreased from three shots to two.

According to a KFF factsheet published April 8, 2026, the vaccine is fully covered by public programs and private insurance. This coverage is mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which requires insurance plans to cover a range of recommended preventive services and those identified by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

HPV and Cancer Risks

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. We see often acquired soon after a person initiates sexual activity. Approximately 42.5 million Americans are currently infected with HPV, with at least 13 million new infections occurring annually.

Notice more than 200 known strains of HPV. While most infections resolve on their own, persistent infection with high-risk strains can lead to cancer. In the United States, HPV causes approximately 36,000 cases of cancer each year in both men and women.

Data indicates a significant increase in HPV-related cancers over the last decade. Between 2018 and 2022, over 49,000 people in the U.S. Developed an HPV-related cancer, compared to 30,000 in 1999. While rates of HPV-related vaginal and cervical cancers have decreased since 1999, there has been an increase in HPV-related anal and oropharyngeal cancers.

Vaccine Types and Efficacy

Gardasil 9 (9vHPV) is currently the vaccine distributed in the United States. This vaccine protects against nine HPV types: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.

The protection provided by the vaccine targets specific risks:

• HPV types 6 and 11 cause 90% of genital warts.
• HPV types 16 and 18 are high-risk strains that cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers and a higher percentage of some other HPV-caused cancers.
• HPV types 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 are high-risk strains accounting for an additional 10% to 20% of cervical cancers.

The CDC states that HPV vaccination has the potential to prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV. It has also reduced the number of cases of cervical pre-cancers in young women and decreased the occurrence of genital warts in young adults.

Administration and Dosage Guidelines

The HPV vaccine series is most effective when administered before a person is exposed to the virus. Current CDC recommendations are as follows:

• Children ages 11–12 years: Recommended to receive 2 doses, given 6 to 12 months apart. Vaccination can begin as early as age 9.
• Children under 15: Only 2 doses are needed if the first dose was administered before the 15th birthday.
• Children ages 9–14: A third dose is required if the first two doses were administered less than 5 months apart.
• Individuals ages 15–26: Those starting the series later require 3 doses administered over 6 months.
• Immunocompromised individuals: People with weakened immune systems should receive 3 doses if they are between 9 and 26 years old.

While the vaccine is FDA-approved for use through age 45, the ACIP does not recommend routine vaccination for all adults between the ages of 27 and 45.

Access and Demographics

The scope of the vaccine has expanded since its introduction. Originally recommended only for girls and young women, the recommendation was subsequently broadened to include boys, young men, and people of all genders.

Although uptake of the vaccine has risen over time, there have been notable declines in vaccination rates since the COVID-19 pandemic.