This page is general health information, not medical advice. It cannot tell you whether you have an infection. A clinician can, and the testing options on this site are a good place to start.

The HPV vaccine is one of the few vaccines that prevents several kinds of cancer. The CDC recommends it for children, teens and young adults, and some older adults can choose it too.

This page answers common questions about the hpv vaccine schedule, the right hpv vaccine age and hpv vaccine for adults. It also covers cost and where Chicago residents can ask for it.

The basics

What does the HPV vaccine protect against?

The CDC says the vaccine protects against the HPV types that most often cause cervical, anal, throat, penile, vaginal and vulvar cancers. It also protects against the types that cause most genital warts. The vaccine used in the United States covers nine HPV types.

Does the vaccine treat an HPV infection a person already has?

No. The CDC describes the vaccine as prevention, not treatment. HPV itself is not curable, but most infections clear on their own, and the health problems HPV can cause are treatable. A clinician can explain what that means for your situation.

Can people of any gender get the vaccine?

Yes. The CDC recommends HPV vaccination for people of every gender and orientation within the recommended ages. HPV spreads through skin-to-skin sexual contact, and the vaccine protects everyone against the same cancer-causing types.

Ages and schedule

What is the recommended HPV vaccine age?

The CDC recommends routine vaccination at age 11 or 12. Vaccination can start as early as age 9. The CDC also recommends catch-up vaccination for everyone through age 26 who was not vaccinated earlier or did not finish the series.

What is the HPV vaccine schedule if someone starts before age 15?

The CDC says people who start at ages 9 through 14 need two doses. The second dose is given 6 to 12 months after the first. If the second dose comes less than 5 months after the first, the CDC says a third dose is needed.

What is the HPV vaccine schedule if someone starts at 15 or older?

The CDC says people who start at age 15 or older need three doses. The second dose follows the first by 1 to 2 months. The third follows the first by 6 months.

Does a weakened immune system change the schedule?

Yes. The CDC recommends three doses for people with a weakened immune system, even if they start between ages 9 and 14. This applies to people with certain conditions or medicines that affect immunity, including HIV. A clinician can tell you which schedule fits.

What if a dose was missed or the series was never finished?

The CDC says you do not restart the series. You pick up where you left off, and a clinician can check your vaccine record to count the doses you already had. Ask a primary care provider or clinic to look up your history.

HPV vaccine for adults

Is it too late to get vaccinated at 20 or 25?

No. The CDC recommends catch-up HPV vaccination for everyone through age 26 who is not adequately vaccinated. The shots work best before any exposure to HPV, but the CDC still recommends them in this age range.

What about HPV vaccine for adults ages 27 to 45?

For this group, the CDC recommends shared clinical decision-making rather than routine vaccination. That means you and a clinician decide together. The CDC notes that benefit is smaller at these ages because more people have already been exposed to HPV.

Is vaccination recommended after age 45?

The CDC does not recommend routine HPV vaccination for adults over 45, and the vaccine is not approved for that age group. If you are older and curious about your options, a clinician can talk through your health history.

Does it matter if I have already had sex or a past HPV result?

Not for being allowed to get vaccinated. The CDC says people who have been sexually active can still be vaccinated. A clinician can explain how much added protection you might get.

Can the vaccine be given during pregnancy?

The CDC says the HPV vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy, and the series can wait until after pregnancy. Talk with your prenatal clinician about timing. If you started the series before learning you were pregnant, they can advise on the remaining doses.

Safety and screening

Is the HPV vaccine safe?

The CDC says HPV vaccines have been studied extensively and are safe. The most common effects are a sore arm, a mild fever, headache or tiredness. The CDC advises sitting or lying down for about 15 minutes after any vaccine, since fainting can happen.

Do vaccinated people still need cervical cancer screening?

Yes. The vaccine does not cover every HPV type that can cause cancer. The USPSTF recommends regular cervical cancer screening for people with a cervix starting at age 21, and a clinician can set the right interval for you.

Does the vaccine replace STI testing or other prevention?

No. The vaccine protects against HPV only. It does not prevent chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis or HIV, which each have their own tests and prevention options. If you want to learn about HIV prevention medicine, see our guide to PrEP in Chicago.

Cost and coverage

Does insurance cover the HPV vaccine?

The CDC says most health plans cover vaccines that its advisory committee recommends, including the HPV vaccine for the recommended ages. Coverage for adults 27 to 45 can vary by plan. Call your insurer or the clinic to confirm before your visit.

What if I do not have insurance?

For children and teens through age 18, the CDC's Vaccines for Children program provides vaccines to eligible young people, including those who are uninsured or on Medicaid. For adults, the CDC GetTested listing for the Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center shows insurance, Medicaid, Medicare and a sliding scale. The Chicago Department of Public Health says its sexual health clinics provide care regardless of ability to pay, but its page does not list vaccine prices.

Where to get it in Chicago

Where can Chicago residents get the HPV vaccine?

Start with your regular doctor or pediatrician, who can check your record. The CDC GetTested listing for the Cook County Health Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center, 2020 W. Harrison St., 312-572-4700, includes HPV vaccine. The listing for Planned Parenthood of Illinois, Rogers Park Health Center, 5725 N Broadway, (773) 942-7193, includes it as well, and it says an appointment is required.

Do the city health clinics and Howard Brown offer it?

The pages we reviewed for the Chicago Department of Public Health sexual health clinics and Howard Brown Health do not list HPV vaccine among their services. Call first to ask. Howard Brown is at 773.388.1600, and the CDPH Lakeview clinic is at 312.744.5507. You can also call the Illinois HIV/STD Hotline at 1-800-243-2437 for help finding a provider.

Can a teen in Illinois get vaccinated without a parent?

Illinois law (410 ILCS 210/4) lets a minor age 12 or older who may have come into contact with a sexually transmitted disease consent to care for prevention, diagnosis or treatment. The Illinois Administrative Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 693.130) adds vaccination against an STI. Because rules and clinic policies differ, ask the clinic whether it will vaccinate a teen on their own consent.

How do I find testing and other sexual health care nearby?

CDC's GetTested locator lists free and low-cost sites. For clinics with addresses and hours, see our local testing list, and our guide to STD testing in Chicago explains what each visit involves. Hours change, so confirm by phone before you go.

HPV Vaccine in Chicago: Ages, Schedule and Where to Get It