HPV Vaccine for Girls and Boys: A Simple Guide for Parents
HPV vaccination is one of the most important vaccines for preventing certain cancers later in life. And yes—it is recommended for boys as well as girls.
Many parents have questions when their child is advised to take the HPV vaccine:
What is HPV?
Why does my child need this vaccine?
Is it really necessary for boys?
What is the right age?
Which HPV vaccines are available?
Is the vaccine safe?
What if my child has already missed the recommended age?
Let us answer these questions simply.
What is HPV?
HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus. It is a very common virus that can infect the skin and the genital and oral areas. Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and are cleared naturally by the body’s immune system.
However, some HPV infections can persist and, over many years, can cause cancers.
HPV is associated with cervical cancer as well as cancers of the vagina, vulva, anus, penis and throat. It can also cause genital warts. (World Health Organization)
The good news is that many HPV-related cancers can be prevented through vaccination.
Why is the HPV vaccine important?
The HPV vaccine helps prevent infection with HPV types that are responsible for a large proportion of HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
It is a preventive vaccine. It does not treat an existing HPV infection or an HPV-related disease. This is why vaccination is most effective when given before a person is exposed to HPV. (CDC)
Think of it as preparing the immune system in advance.
HPV vaccination is cancer prevention.
This is the most important message parents should remember.
HPV vaccines available
Several HPV vaccines are available in different countries. In India, commonly discussed HPV vaccines include Gardasil, Gardasil 9 and Cervavac. Availability, age indications, dosing schedules and approved uses may vary, so parents should consult a qualified healthcare professional before choosing a vaccine.
1. Gardasil
Gardasil is a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. It protects against four HPV types:
HPV 6
HPV 11
HPV 16
HPV 18
HPV types 6 and 11 are commonly associated with genital warts, while HPV types 16 and 18 are high-risk types associated with several HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer.
Gardasil may be recommended for both girls and boys, depending on local regulatory approvals and medical guidance.
2. Gardasil 9
Gardasil 9 is a nine-valent HPV vaccine. It protects against:
HPV 6
HPV 11
HPV 16
HPV 18
HPV 31
HPV 33
HPV 45
HPV 52
HPV 58
Because it covers more high-risk HPV types than the quadrivalent vaccine, Gardasil 9 provides broader protection against HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
It may be recommended for both girls and boys, according to the approved age range and local vaccination guidelines.
3. Cervavac
Cervavac is an Indian quadrivalent HPV vaccine. It protects against:
HPV 6
HPV 11
HPV 16
HPV 18
Like other quadrivalent HPV vaccines, it is designed to help prevent infection with HPV types associated with genital warts and several HPV-related cancers, particularly cervical cancer.
Cervavac may be an option for eligible girls and boys, depending on age, availability, regulatory approvals and the advice of the treating doctor.
Which HPV vaccine is best?
There is no single answer for every child. The choice may depend on:
The child’s age
Whether the child is a girl or boy
The vaccine’s approved indications
Availability
Previous HPV vaccine doses
The recommended national or local schedule
The doctor’s clinical advice
Do not switch between vaccines or choose a schedule without medical guidance. Your paediatrician, family physician or adolescent-health specialist can help select the appropriate vaccine.
Why should GIRLS receive the HPV vaccine?
For girls, HPV vaccination is particularly important because persistent infection with high-risk HPV is the major cause of cervical cancer.
Vaccination substantially reduces the risk of HPV infection and HPV-related precancerous disease. It also provides protection against other HPV-related cancers.
However, vaccination does not replace cervical cancer screening later in life. Vaccinated women should still follow appropriate cervical cancer screening recommendations. (World Health Organization)
Why should BOYS receive the HPV vaccine?
A common misconception is that HPV vaccination is only for girls.
It is not.
Boys can also acquire and transmit HPV, and HPV can cause diseases and cancers in males, including penile, anal and some throat cancers. HPV can also cause genital warts. (World Health Organization)
Vaccinating boys therefore has two important benefits:
It protects the boy himself against HPV-related diseases and cancers.
It contributes to reducing transmission of HPV within the population.
Therefore, when appropriate and available, HPV vaccination should be considered for both girls and boys.
What is the best age for HPV vaccination?
HPV vaccination is ideally given during early adolescence, before exposure to HPV.
WHO identifies girls aged 9–14 years as the primary target group for HPV vaccination. Depending on the national programme and vaccine used, vaccination may also be recommended for boys and older age groups. (World Health Organization)
In many routine immunization schedules, HPV vaccination is given around 11–12 years of age, and it can be started as early as 9 years. (CDC)
The simple rule for parents:
Don’t wait until your child becomes sexually active to think about HPV vaccination.
The vaccine works best when given before HPV exposure.
How many doses are required?
The number of doses depends on the child’s age when vaccination is started, the vaccine used, and the applicable national or local recommendations.
For example, CDC guidance recommends:
2 doses for children who start the series before their 15th birthday, with the doses separated by 6–12 months.
3 doses for those starting at age 15 years or older.
People with certain immune conditions may require a 3-dose schedule. (CDC)
WHO recommendations allow a one- or two-dose schedule for certain adolescent groups, depending on age and circumstances. (World Health Organization)
Your paediatrician or adolescent-health/gynecology specialist can advise the appropriate schedule for your child.
Is the HPV vaccine safe?
HPV vaccines have been studied extensively and have a strong safety record. WHO reports that the licensed HPV vaccines are safe and highly effective against HPV types associated with cervical cancer and other HPV-related disease. (World Health Organization)
Like any vaccine, some children may experience temporary side effects such as:
Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
Mild fever
Headache
Tiredness
Dizziness or fainting, particularly in adolescents after injections
Most reactions are mild and settle on their own.
As with any vaccination, your child’s doctor should be informed about any previous severe allergic reaction to a vaccine or vaccine component.
Does the HPV vaccine cause HPV infection?
No.
HPV vaccines are non-infectious vaccines. They do not contain live HPV and cannot cause HPV infection or HPV-related cancer. (World Health Organization)
Can my child still get HPV after vaccination?
Yes, vaccination does not protect against every possible HPV type.
However, HPV vaccines protect against the HPV types responsible for a substantial proportion of HPV-related cancers and diseases. Gardasil 9 covers more HPV types than Gardasil and Cervavac, while Gardasil and Cervavac protect against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18.
Also remember:
HPV vaccination prevents new infections; it does not treat an HPV infection that is already present. (CDC)
That is why vaccination at the recommended age is so valuable.
What if my child has missed the HPV vaccine?
Don’t assume that it is “too late.”
Catch-up vaccination may still be appropriate for adolescents and young adults who have not been adequately vaccinated. The appropriate age range and dosing schedule depend on the applicable guidelines and individual circumstances. (CDC)
If your child has missed one or more doses, speak to your doctor rather than restarting the series on your own. An interrupted vaccination schedule generally does not mean that the entire series has to be started again. (CDC)
HPV vaccination is not about encouraging sexual activity
This is an important concern for some parents.
Giving a child the HPV vaccine is not an indication that the child is sexually active.
It is a preventive health measure, just like vaccinating a child against other infections before they are exposed.
The objective is simple:
Protect today to prevent disease years later.
HPV vaccine: Girls and boys
Girls Boys
Protects against
HPV infection ✓ ✓
Helps prevent
HPV-related cancers ✓ ✓
Helps prevent
genital warts. ✓ ✓
Helps reduce
HPV transmission. ✓ ✓
Best given before
HPV exposure ✓ ✓
Comparing Gardasil, Gardasil 9 and Cervavac
Vaccine HPV types covered General description
Gardasil 6, 11, 16 and 18 Quadrivalent vaccine; helps protect
against genital warts
and several
HPV-related cancers
Gardasil 9 6, 11, 16, 18,
31, 33, 45,
52 and 58 Nine-valent vaccine; provides broader
protection against
HPV types
associated with
cancer and genital
warts
Cervavac 6, 11, 16
and 18 Indian quadrivalent
vaccine; helps
protect against
genital warts and
several HPV-related
cancers
The vaccine choice should be made with a healthcare professional. Product availability, approved age groups, dosing schedules and recommendations may change. The information above is general and should not replace medical advice.
A message to parents
As parents, we routinely vaccinate our children against diseases that may affect them in the future.
HPV vaccination is another opportunity to prevent serious disease before it happens.
If your daughter or son is in the recommended age group and has not yet received the HPV vaccine, discuss vaccination with your paediatrician, family physician, gynaecologist or adolescent-health specialist.
Don’t wait for HPV to become a problem.
Vaccination is prevention. Prevention is protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is HPV vaccination only for girls?
No. Boys can also develop HPV-related diseases and cancers and can benefit from vaccination. (World Health Organization)
2. Which HPV vaccines are available?
Commonly discussed vaccines include Gardasil, Gardasil 9 and Cervavac. Gardasil and Cervavac protect against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. Gardasil 9 protects against these types plus HPV 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. Availability and approved use may vary by country and age group.
3. What is the ideal age?
HPV vaccination is ideally given during early adolescence, before exposure to HPV. WHO’s primary target group is girls aged 9–14 years; recommendations for boys and other age groups vary by country and programme. (World Health Organization)
4. Does the HPV vaccine treat HPV infection?
No. It prevents new HPV infections but does not treat an existing infection. (CDC)
5. Does vaccination mean cervical screening is no longer required?
No. Vaccination reduces risk but does not eliminate it. Appropriate cervical cancer screening remains important later in life. (World Health Organization)
6. What if my child has already missed the recommended age?
Speak with your doctor about catch-up vaccination. The appropriate schedule depends on the age at vaccination and individual circumstances. (CDC)
7. Can my child receive a different HPV vaccine for a later dose?
The preferred approach is to complete the series with the same vaccine when possible. If the original vaccine is unavailable, your doctor can advise whether another licensed HPV vaccine may be used. Do not change vaccines without medical guidance.
If you are considering HPV vaccination for your child, discuss the appropriate vaccine and schedule with your healthcare professional.
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