HPV Vaccination (Human Papillomavirus)

Important vaccination information for parents

Age
9-14 years (2 doses), catch-up 15-26 years (3 doses)
Duration
~15 minutes (per dose)
Performed by
Pediatrician or Gynecologist

What happens during this examination?

  • Injection given into the upper arm muscle (deltoid).
  • Protects against human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 (cause 70% of cervical cancers) and types 6 and 11 (cause 90% of genital warts).
  • 9-valent vaccine (Gardasil 9) protects against 9 HPV types (7 high-risk, 2 low-risk).
  • Two doses at 9-14 years (interval 5-13 months).
  • Three doses for those starting at 15+ years or with immunocompromising conditions.
  • Vaccination is most effective before first sexual contact (pre-exposure).

Preparation Tips

  • Bring the vaccination record booklet.
  • Discuss with your adolescent that vaccination is normal and recommended.
  • Vaccine can be given at same visit as Tdap, MenACWY, and COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Child should be well-hydrated before injection to reduce fainting risk.

Questions for your doctor

  • Does HPV vaccination encourage earlier sexual activity? (Studies show NO)
  • Is HPV vaccine safe? (Over 15 years of safety data, 300+ million doses given)
  • Do boys need HPV vaccine? (Yes, prevents genital warts and anal/oropharyngeal cancers)
  • How long does protection last? (At least 10-15 years, likely lifelong)

When to call the doctor

  • Severe allergic reaction to a previous HPV dose or vaccine component (yeast proteins, polysorbate 80).
  • Moderate or severe acute illness with fever (postpone vaccination).
  • Pregnancy (postpone until after delivery; vaccine not recommended during pregnancy).

Parent Tips

  • HPV vaccine prevents cancer - it is a cancer prevention vaccine.
  • Common side effects: pain/swelling at injection site (80%), mild fever (10-15%), dizziness/fainting (5%).
  • Young adolescents (9-14 years) need only 2 doses (not 3), making schedule simpler.
  • Germany's STIKO recommends HPV vaccination for all children aged 9-14 years (both sexes).
  • Catch-up vaccination recommended up to age 17 (girls) and 26 (boys in some federal states).

Vaccination Schedule

According to the STIKO recommendation, this vaccination is given at: 9-14 years (2 doses), catch-up 15-26 years (3 doses)

Always consult your pediatrician for individual advice.
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