Final answer:
The number of HPV vaccine injections needed depends on the age when the vaccination series starts: two doses before age 15 and three doses when started between ages 15 through 26. Regular screening is still recommended after vaccination.
Step-by-step explanation:
HPV Vaccine Dosage Schedule
The HPV vaccine is recommended for all girls and boys starting at the ages of 11 to 12 years. It is important for vaccination to occur before sexual activity begins and potential exposure to HPV. The number of injections required for the HPV vaccine depends on the age at which the vaccination series begins:
- Individuals who start the vaccination series before their 15th birthday need two doses of the vaccine. The second dose is typically given 6-12 months after the first dose.
- For those who start the vaccination series at ages 15 through 26 years, three doses are required. The second dose is given 1-2 months after the first, and the third dose is administered 6 months after the first dose.
The vaccines are designed to protect against the high-risk HPV types most likely to cause cancer, such as Gardasil 9, which covers nine HPV types associated with genital warts and various cancers including cervical cancer.
HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection, and vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection with high-risk oncogenic HPV types. Despite the effectiveness of the vaccine in reducing infection rates, the high cost of the vaccine has been a barrier for many, limiting global access. Regular screenings, like Pap smears, are still recommended for individuals with a cervix, even after vaccination, to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.