Age Does Matter

When you vaccinate your child against HPV cancer, age does matter. You can ask your son or daughter’s doctor to start the 2-dose vaccination series at age 9. HPV vaccination works best when given between ages 9 and 12.  Children and young adults age 13 through 26 who have not been vaccinated, or who haven’t gotten all their doses, should get the vaccine as soon as possible.

Research shows that cancer protection decreases as age at vaccination increases. HPV vaccination prevents an estimated 90% of HPV cancers when given at the recommended age.

Reviewed by

The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team

Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as editors and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.

American Cancer Society Emails

Sign up to stay up-to-date with news, valuable information, and ways to get involved with the American Cancer Society.