May 2026 — Medically reviewed by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield clinical staff
The HPV vaccine is widely endorsed by the American Cancer Society. When given at the recommended ages, the HPV vaccine can prevent more than 90 percent of cancers caused by HPV, including six different cancer types. Some parents and guardians may have specific questions or concerns about HPV vaccination. Providers play an important role in discussing vaccine safety, effectiveness and recommended ages and schedules for HPV vaccination.
Clinical focus and quality measure
In addition to its role in cancer prevention, the HPV vaccine is also included in the Immunization for Adolescents (IMA) measure of the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®). Therefore, increasing HPV vaccination rates protects individuals and directly contributes to higher IMA scores, an important benchmark in evaluating the quality of adolescent preventive care. By focusing on improving HPV vaccine uptake, health care providers can advance public health goals and performance outcomes.
Provider resources for HPV vaccine
Always visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for comprehensive, up-to-date information.
Recommended age for vaccination
- Both American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Cancer Society recommend initiating the HPV vaccine series between ages of 9 and 12. Early initiation supports timely series completion prior to potential HPV exposure. Read more about why AAP recommends vaccination as early as age 9.
- The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that individuals through age 26 catch up on missed doses if they were not adequately vaccinated earlier.
Dosage schedule
- Children who start the vaccine series before their 15th birthday require two doses, typically 6 to 12 months apart.
- Those starting at 15 years or older require three doses over six months.
Older age groups
- HPV vaccination for adults ages 27 to 45 may be considered based on individual risk and discussion with a healthcare provider, but it is not routinely recommended.
Key points
- For maximum effectiveness, the goal is to vaccinate before exposure to HPV.
- The vaccine is safe and highly effective in preventing six HPV-related cancers.
- The American Cancer Society (ACS) emphasizes the importance of public education to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.
Studies have shown that strong, confident recommendations from providers are more effective in increasing vaccine rates than educational resources alone.
Motivational interviewing can address concerns and hesitation:
- Ask open-ended questions: “What concerns do you have about the HPV vaccine?”
- Listen actively.
- Emphasize prevention: “I understand your concerns regarding your child’s age, but giving the HPV vaccine early builds a stronger immune response to protect them from six types of cancer.”
- Offer more information, with permission: “I have additional information to send home with you to review, if that’s okay?”
- Share a personal recommendation.
- More time for follow-up doses: Initiating the HPV vaccine series at age 9 allows for a streamlined immunization schedule. If the first dose is given at age 9, the second dose can be administered at the 10-year-old well-child visit, if at least six months have passed. This approach ensures the HPV series is completed before age 11, leaving the 11-year-old visit available for the school-required Tdap and meningococcal vaccines.
- Starting before age 15 means only two doses are required due to a stronger immune response. After age 15, three doses are recommended.
- Improved immune response: Younger children mount a stronger immune response to the HPV vaccine and does not show evidence of waning protection over time.
- Avoids linking the vaccine to discussions about sexual activity: Introducing the HPV vaccine at age 9 can reduce hesitancy among caregivers.
Follow-up and scheduling
- Schedule the next annual well-child visit before the patient leaves the office.
- Implement reminder systems:
- Phone calls or text alerts in six months to return for a second dose of the HPV vaccine.
- Schedule a nurse visit for the second dose before the patient leaves the clinic.
- Provide reminder cards for front-desk checkout to schedule a follow-up.
Establish a vaccine committee at your clinic
- Consider forming a vaccine committee that addresses:
- Misinformation and disinformation.
- Strategies for parental hesitancy.
- Ongoing continuing education for staff.
Community outreach and education
- Coordinate provider visits to schools for:
- Back-to-school events like HPV vaccine awareness and Q&A sessions.
- Guest speaking in health education classes.
Clinical workflow enhancements
- Have the rooming nurse introduce the HPV vaccine and provide a vaccine information sheet so parents have time to formulate questions prior to seeing the provider.
Electronic health record (EHR) optimization
- Enable EHR alerts for HPV vaccines.
- Connect EHR to the state immunization registry to capture administered HPV vaccines.
- Standing Orders for Administering Human Papillomavirus Vaccine to Children and Teens.
Download the following sample communication documents for your use:
View additional HPV Vaccination Resources for Health Professionals from the American Cancer Society (includes items like infographics and flyers).
Disclosure
HEDIS is a registered mark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).