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 helps prevent several kinds of cancer. Many people in Los Angeles have questions about when to get it, how many doses it takes and what it costs. These answers follow CDC recommendations and point to local public health resources.

The basics

What is the HPV vaccine?

It is a vaccine that helps protect against the types of human papillomavirus most likely to cause cancer and genital warts. The CDC says the vaccine used in the United States protects against nine HPV types. It is a way to prevent infection, not a treatment for an infection a person already has.

What can HPV cause?

The CDC says HPV can lead to cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus and throat, and it causes genital warts. Most HPV infections go away on their own, according to the CDC. The vaccine lowers the chance of the infections that cause these problems.

Is the HPV vaccine safe?

The CDC says the vaccine has been studied and monitored for years and is safe. Common side effects are a sore arm, headache, tiredness or fever for a short time. Tell the clinician about any severe allergies before the shot.

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. Getting it before any exposure to HPV gives the best protection.

What is the HPV vaccine schedule?

The CDC says people who start the series before their 15th birthday need two doses, given 6 to 12 months apart. People who start at age 15 or older need three doses. A clinician can lay out the exact dates for you.

Does anyone need three doses even if they start young?

Yes. The CDC recommends three doses for people ages 9 through 26 who have weakened immune systems. This includes some people living with HIV. A clinician can tell you whether this applies to you.

What if I missed a dose or waited too long between doses?

The CDC says you do not need to start over. The series picks up where it left off. Ask your clinician or clinic to check your vaccine record and schedule the next dose.

Is there a catch-up period for teens and young adults?

Yes. The CDC recommends catch-up vaccination for everyone through age 26 who was not fully vaccinated earlier. This applies to every gender and sexual orientation. If you are not sure about your history, a clinician can look at your records or help you start fresh.

HPV vaccine for adults

Can adults ages 27 to 45 get the HPV vaccine?

The CDC does not recommend it routinely at these ages. It recommends shared clinical decision-making for adults 27 through 45. That means you and a clinician talk through your history and decide together.

Why is HPV vaccine for adults a shared decision?

The CDC explains that many adults have already been exposed to some HPV types, so the vaccine offers less new benefit. Some adults, such as those with new partners, may still benefit. A clinician can talk through what makes sense for you.

What about people older than 45?

The vaccine is approved by the FDA through age 45, and the CDC does not give a routine recommendation beyond that. If you are older and curious, ask a clinician about your options. They know your health history.

Can I still get the vaccine if I am already sexually active?

Yes. The CDC says people can get the vaccine after becoming sexually active. It may not protect against HPV types a person already has. A clinician or a test can tell you more about your own situation.

Can I get the HPV vaccine during pregnancy?

The CDC says the vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy, so doses are put off until after delivery. If you learn you are pregnant partway through the series, tell your clinician. They will plan the remaining doses with you.

Cost and coverage

How much does the HPV vaccine cost?

Most health plans cover vaccines the CDC recommends, but coverage can differ by age and plan. For ages 27 to 45, ask your plan before booking. The clinics listed below do not publish an HPV vaccine price on the pages we reviewed, so call to ask.

Is there help paying for children and teens?

The CDC runs the Vaccines for Children program. It provides vaccines at no cost for children and teens through age 18 who are uninsured, on Medicaid or American Indian or Alaska Native. Ask a pediatric provider whether your child qualifies.

Can teens in California get care without a parent?

California Family Code section 6926 lets minors 12 and older consent to STI testing and treatment, and parents are not liable for payment for that care. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health says its clinics tell patients 12 and older they can be tested and treated without their parents knowing. For the vaccine itself, ask the clinic how consent works.

Where to get it in Los Angeles

Where can I ask about the HPV vaccine in Los Angeles?

Start with your regular doctor or health plan. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health runs sexual health clinics, including the Central Health Center at 241 Figueroa St. and the MLK Jr. Center for Public Health at 11833 S. Wilmington Ave. All appointments go through one scheduling line, (213) 449-7009. Its Sexual Health Clinics page does not list the HPV vaccine, so ask when you call.

Will I pay anything at a county sexual health clinic?

The county says it charges patients no fees for sexual health care and bills insurance without a copay if you have it. The same page notes a fee may be charged for immunizations. Ask the scheduler about the HPV vaccine cost before your visit.

Do I need to be a citizen to get care at a county clinic?

No. The county says its clinics are open to everyone regardless of citizenship, and it will not report immigration status. You can call (213) 449-7009 to ask questions first.

Vaccine, testing and other prevention

Does the vaccine replace cervical cancer screening or STI testing?

No. The vaccine does not cover every HPV type, and it does not protect against other infections. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends cervical cancer screening for people with a cervix ages 21 to 65. For other infections, see our guide to STD testing in Los Angeles, browse free and low-cost clinics in Los Angeles, or look up sites at gettested.cdc.gov.

Can HPV be treated?

There is no way to clear the virus itself. The CDC says problems it can cause, such as genital warts and precancerous changes, can be treated by a clinician. Regular screening helps find changes early.

Does PrEP protect against HPV?

No. PrEP is a medicine a clinician prescribes to help prevent HIV, not HPV. County sexual health clinics provide PrEP at no patient charge, and you can read more in our guide to PrEP in Los Angeles.

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