When is the best age to get the HPV vaccine?

Ages 9–14 is ideal, with nearly 100% efficacy against vaccine-type HPV when given before sexual activity begins. It remains highly beneficial from 15–26 and still offers significant protection from 27–45.

Is it too late to get the HPV vaccine after 26?

No. Vaccination from ages 27–45 still offers substantial immunity. If you think you missed the window, get vaccinated anyway.

How many doses of the HPV vaccine are needed?

Two doses at 0 and 6 months for ages 9–14, and three doses (0, 1, 6 months or 0, 2, 6 months) for ages 15–45.

Which HPV vaccines are available in India?

Cervavac and Gardasil 4 protect against HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18. Gardasil 9 adds protection against types 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58.

HPV Vaccination: All You Need to Know

Nearly all sexually active people contract HPV, and persistent high-risk infections can lead to cancer. Vaccination is your best protection — here is who should get it, when, and which vaccines are available in India.

By Dr. Meera Sharma, MBBS, MD, DNB (Reproductive Medicine)Medically reviewed by Dr. Meera Sharma, MBBS, MD, DNB (Reproductive Medicine)Reviewed 9 July 20262 min read

Understanding HPV

What is HPV?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is extremely common. Nearly all sexually active people contract it within months to a few years of becoming sexually active. Around half of these infections involve cancer-causing high-risk HPV types.

What happens after infection?

Most infections clear naturally: Your immune system typically eliminates HPV within 1–2 years without causing harm.
Persistent infections can lead to cancer: When high-risk HPV isn't cleared by your immune system and persists for many years, it can cause cell changes that may progress to precancerous and then cancerous conditions.

HPV types

High-risk HPVs: 12 types (HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59) can cause cancer. HPV 16 and 18 cause most HPV-related cancers.
Low-risk HPVs: Rarely cause cancer but can cause genital, anal, mouth, or throat warts.

Cervical cancer — almost all (100%) of cervical cancer is caused by HPV.
Anal cancer — over 90% of anal cancers are caused by HPV.
Vaginal cancer — over 75% of vaginal cancers are caused by HPV.
Oropharyngeal (throat) cancer — about 70% of throat cancers are caused by HPV.
Vulvar cancer — about 69% of vulvar cancers are caused by HPV.
Penile cancer — about 63% of penile cancers are caused by HPV.

How Is HPV Transmitted?

HPV spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact during:

Vaginal–penile sex
Penile–anal sex
Penile–oral sex
Vaginal–oral sex

Condoms reduce transmission risk but don't prevent it completely.

Vaccination: Your Best Protection

When to get vaccinated

Ages 9–14 (ideal): Most effective before sexual activity begins; nearly 100% efficacy in preventing vaccine-type HPV infections.
Ages 15–26: Still highly beneficial with a three-dose series.
Ages 27–45: Still offers significant protection.

It's never too late. If you think you've missed the window, get vaccinated anyway for substantial immunity.

Available Vaccines in India

Vaccine	Protection Against	Cost per Dose
Cervavac	HPV 6, 11, 16, 18	₹2,000–₹4,000
Gardasil 4	HPV 6, 11, 16, 18	₹3,500–₹4,000
Gardasil 9	HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58	₹9,000–₹11,000

Dosage Schedule

Ages 9–14: 2 doses at 0 and 6 months
Ages 15–45: 3 doses at either 0, 1, 6 months or 0, 2, 6 months

Side Effects

Generally safe, with mild and temporary effects:

Pain or swelling at the injection site
Mild fever
Headache
Fatigue

The information on this page is educational and does not replace individual clinical advice. Outcomes vary between patients; nothing here guarantees pregnancy, egg quality, or treatment success.