Cervical Cancer Vaccine: Benefits, Age Limit & Side Effects 

Introduction

Cervical cancer can develop as a result of a sexually transmitted infection with specific types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Although not all cervical cancers are HPV-related, this is usually is a common cause¹. HPV is a group of over 200 related viruses, some of which can be transmitted via sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral). Among these, certain types are classified as high-risk, with HPV 16 and HPV 18 responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases^1,2. 

Most sexually active individuals will be exposed to HPV at some point, often without knowing it as these infections usually resolve without causing symptoms. However, if high-risk HPV infections are left untreated for a long period, they can lead to cervical cancer^1,2.  

The vaccine to prevent cervical cancer (HPV vaccine) provides safe and effective protection, particularly against HPV 16 and HPV 18. It can significantly lower the risk of developing cervical cancer, making it a key strategy in prevention efforts. Therefore, through this article, we aim to cover everything you need to know about the cervical cancer vaccine, including its benefits, recommended age limits, and possible side effects, to help you make informed and confident health decisions. 

What is the Cervical Cancer Vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. It is specifically designed to protect against the most common cancer-causing types of HPV².  

Certain cervical cancer (HPV) vaccines provide protection against both high-risk types, which cause the majority of HPV-related cancers, and low-risk types, which are responsible for most cases of genital warts, while others target only the high-risk types². The specific vaccines will be discussed in later sections². 

Why is the Cervical Cancer Vaccine Important?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine cervical cancer (HPV) vaccination^2,3. 

The cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine plays a crucial role in preventing cervical cancer, most genital warts, and several other HPV-related cancers (such as anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile, and oropharyngeal). It can protect against up to 90% of cancers caused by HPV infection and significantly reduce the occurrence of genital warts². 

How Does the Cervical Cancer Vaccine Work?

The cervical cancer vaccine works by training the immune system to recognise and block HPV before it can cause infection. It does so by stimulating the body to produce antibodies that, upon future exposure, bind to HPV and prevent it from entering healthy cells. The immune memory from HPV vaccination is exceptionally strong, often producing higher antibody titers than natural infection. 

Current cervical cancer (HPV) vaccines are composed of non-infectious virus-like particles produced in cell cultures that contain HPV surface proteins. These particles are highly immunogenic, meaning they trigger strong antibody responses, which makes the vaccines highly effective. 

It is essential to understand that the virus-like particles present in the vaccine contain no viral DNA, and therefore, they cannot cause infection; however, they closely resemble the natural virus. This similarity enables the immune system to produce antibodies that also target the real virus⁴.  

Note: The vaccine to prevent cervical cancer (HPV vaccine) does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections and cannot treat existing HPV infections or diseases caused by HPV⁴. 

Types of Cervical Cancer Vaccines

Several types of cervical cancer (HPV) vaccines have been developed to protect against infection and reduce the risk of HPV-related cancers. Commonly available types include⁵: 

• Gardasil 9 (9vHPV): Gardasil 9 is the only HPV vaccine that protects against nine HPV types: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. This includes seven high-risk types responsible for most HPV-related cancers and two low-risk types that cause the majority of genital warts. 
• Other cervical cancer (HPV) Vaccines: Two other vaccines are also available: 
• Gardasil (4vHPV): Quadrivalent vaccine protecting against four HPV types: 6, 11, 16, and 18. 
• Cervarix (2vHPV): Bivalent vaccine protecting against 2 HPV types: 16 and 18 (not used in all countries now but some still have it) 
• Cervavac: Quadrivalent vaccine against serotypes 6, 11, 16 and 18 produced in India⁶  

Note: All cervical cancer (HPV) vaccines provide protection against HPV types 16 and 18, the leading causes of HPV-related cancers worldwide. 

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

The cervical cancer vaccine age limit is designed to target individuals before they become sexually active; however, vaccination can still be beneficial if given at older ages. The CDC recommends the following³: 

• Routine vaccination 
• Recommended at ages 11 to 12 (can start as early as age 9). 
• Given as two or three doses, depending on the age at the first dose. 
• Catch-up vaccination 
• Recommended for all individuals through age 26 if not adequately vaccinated when younger. 
• For Adults aged 27 to 45 years 
• Not routinely recommended for everyone. 
• May be considered after discussion with a doctor, especially for those most likely to benefit.   
• Overall benefit may be smaller because many adults in this age group have already been exposed to HPV. 
• Shared clinical decision-making is key because the protection is smaller but can still help in some cases. 

Note: Immunocompromised individuals (HIV-positive, transplant recipients) should get the 3-dose schedule regardless of age at initiation⁷. 

Who Should Not Get the Cervical Cancer Vaccine?

Cervical cancer (HPV) vaccines are safe and effective for most people, but there are certain situations in which vaccination should be avoided or delayed. Do not get the cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine if you⁵: 

• Have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of HPV vaccine or any of its ingredients. 
• Have a yeast allergy (Gardasil and Gardasil 9 are produced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or baker’s yeast).  

Mild allergies to food, pollen, or medications are not a contraindication unless specifically to vaccine components. 

The following precautions should be taken while getting the cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine⁵: 

• People with a moderate or severe acute illness should wait until they recover before getting vaccinated. 

Note: A minor illness (such as a mild cold, cough, runny nose, diarrhoea, or fever under 101°F) is not a reason to delay vaccination. 

Pregnancy-related guidance³: 

• Cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy, but pregnancy testing before vaccination is not necessary. 
• If a woman starts the vaccine series and later learns she is pregnant, remaining doses should be postponed until after pregnancy. 
• Accidental vaccination during pregnancy is not known to cause harm to the mother or foetus, yet it is ideal to postpone until postpartum for safety. 

Benefits of the Cervical Cancer Vaccine

The cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine offers powerful, long-lasting protection against infections that can lead to cancer.  

Key benefits of the cervical cancer vaccine include^8,9: 

• Prevents multiple cancers: Protects against HPV types that cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in women; penile cancer in men; anal cancer; and oropharyngeal cancers in both sexes. 
• Reduces HPV-related diseases: Since its introduction in the U.S., HPV infections, genital warts, and cervical pre-cancers have dropped dramatically, with infections from the most harmful HPV types decreasing by 88% among teen girls and 81% among young women. 
• Lowers disease burden: Unvaccinated populations also benefit when coverage is high. This is because when the incidence of infection reduces, the chances of its transmission are also less. This provides indirect protection to individuals who are not vaccinated, known as herd immunity. 
• Provides long-term protection: Vaccination before exposure to HPV provides the best immune response and lifelong protection. 
• Strong safety record: Over 135 million doses have been distributed in the U.S., with more than 15 years of safety monitoring confirming it is safe and effective. 

When and How to Get Vaccinated

The cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine dosing schedule depends on age at the start of the series and immune status³: 

Two-dose schedule: For those starting before 15 years of age. 

• The next (second) dose is given 6 to 12 months after the first one. 

Note: If the two doses are given less than 5 months apart, a third dose will be needed. 

Three-dose schedule: For those starting at ages 15 to 26 years or for immunocompromised individuals (including people with HIV) aged 9 to 26 years. 

• The next (second) dose is given 1 to 2 months after the first one. 
• The next (third) dose is given 6 months after the first. 

Is the Cervical Cancer Vaccine Safe?

Extensive scientific research by leading health organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC confirms that cervical cancer (HPV) vaccines are very safe, with benefits far outweighing potential risks^1,3. 

Before approval, vaccines undergo rigorous testing; for example, Gardasil 9 was studied in over 15,000 males and females before receiving FDA licensure, and their safety continues to be monitored worldwide through robust surveillance systems³. 

However, like all medical interventions, cervical cancer (HPV) vaccines may also cause mild side effects, but serious adverse events are extremely rare^1,3. 

What are the Side Effects of the Cervical Cancer Vaccine?

The cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are mild, short-lasting reactions at the injection site, such as³: 

• Pain 
• Redness 
• Swelling  

Other possible cervical cancer vaccine side effects may include: 

• Mild fever 
• Nausea 
• Dizziness 
• Muscle aches 
• Fatigue 

Very rarely, serious events like anaphylaxis may occur. 

Note: Sometimes fainting (syncope) may occur after a vaccination due to anxiety; therefore, to reduce the risk of injury, adolescents should remain seated or lying down for 15 minutes afterwards. 

Is the Vaccine Effective Against All Types of HPV?

The cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine is not effective against all 200 types of HPV.  

It primarily protects against the high-risk strains most commonly linked to cervical cancer, such as HPV 16 and 18, which together cause about 70% of cases. Some newer vaccines also cover additional types, including HPV 6, 11, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58, offering broader protection⁵. 

However, since it does not protect against all HPV strains, regular cervical screening remains essential even after vaccination. 

Will the Vaccine Protect You for Life?

The cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine provides long-lasting protection, with studies showing sustained effectiveness ranging from 8 years to up to 14 years for all the vaccine types^10,11.  

While the exact lifetime protection is still being studied, no booster doses are available yet. Current evidence indicates strong, durable immunity, and ongoing research will clarify its long-term benefits and the possible need for future booster doses. 

Can Boys and Men Get the HPV Vaccine?

The cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine is recommended for boys and men to protect against HPV-related diseases such as genital warts, anal cancer, penile cancer, and oropharyngeal cancers. It also helps reduce HPV transmission to female partners and lowers the overall burden of HPV-related disease². 

The cervical cancer vaccine for males is generally recommended starting at ages 9 to 12, with catch-up vaccination advised up to age 26. In some cases, the cervical cancer vaccine for males may be considered for ages 27 to 45 after discussing potential benefits with a doctor³. 

What to Expect After Vaccination

After receiving the cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine, you may experience mild, short-lived effects. Here are some simple tips to stay comfortable and safe¹²: 

• Monitor for common cervical cancer vaccine side effects like mild pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. 
• Apply a cool compress to reduce soreness or swelling. 
• Avoid heavy exercise/strenuous activities for a few days. 
• Stay hydrated and get adequate rest. 
• Take pain relievers (after consulting a doctor) if you develop a mild fever or discomfort. 

Why You Still Need Pap Smears and HPV Tests

Even if you have received the cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine, regular Pap smears and HPV tests are essential. This is especially important as the vaccine does not protect against all cancer-causing strains. Therefore, you should get routine cervical cancer screening tests (such as the Pap smear and HPV tests). As per WHO 2021 screening guidance, primary HPV DNA testing should be done every 5–10 years (age 30–49), or Pap smear every 3 years if HPV testing not available. 

These screening tests can detect cervical changes early, greatly reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer¹³. 

Conclusion

Cervical cancer (HPV) vaccination is a powerful tool for the long-term prevention of cervical and other HPV-related cancers. It helps by protecting against the most common high-risk strains. Additionally, it also significantly reduces the risk of infection and future complications.  

Talk to your doctor to learn more and take the next step toward safeguarding your health with the cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. National Cancer Institute. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Fact Sheet [Internet]. National Cancer Institute; [cited 2025 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-vaccine-fact-sheet 
2. National Cancer Institute. HPV and Cancer [Internet]. National Cancer Institute; [cited 2025 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer 
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV Vaccination Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) [Internet]. CDC; [cited 2025 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/hcp/recommendations.html 
4. National Cancer Institute. HPV Vaccine Types [Internet]. National Cancer Institute; [cited 2025 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-vaccine-fact-sheet 
5. National Cancer Institute. HPV Vaccines Overview [Internet]. National Cancer Institute; [cited 2025 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-vaccine-fact-sheet 
6. Ministry of Sciene and Technology. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announces India’s first indigenously developed vaccine, “CERVAVAC” for the prevention of cervical cancer [Internet]; [cited 2025 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1856034  
7. Garland SM, Brotherton JML, Moscicki AB, et al. HPV vaccination of immunocompromised hosts. Papillomavirus Res. 2017;4:35-38. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5883202/  
8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reasons to Get HPV Vaccine [Internet]. CDC; [cited 2025 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/vaccines/reasons-to-get.html 
9. Chesson HW, Markowitz LE. Strong herd effects of human papillomavirus vaccination. The Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2025 Mar 5:jiaf121. Available from:  https://academic.oup.com/jid/article-abstract/232/2/e189/8052711?redirectedFrom=fulltext#google_vignette  
10. De Vincenzo R, Conte C, Ricci C, Scambia G, Capelli G. Long-term efficacy and safety of human papillomavirus vaccination. Int J Womens Health. 2014 Dec 3;6:999-1010. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4262378/ 
11. Kurosawa M, Sekine M, Yamaguchi M, Kudo R, Hanley SJB, Hara M, Adachi S, Ueda Y, Miyagi E, Ikeda S, Yagi A, Enomoto T. Long-Term Effects of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Clinical Trials and Real-World Data: A Systematic Review. Vaccines (Basel). 2022 Feb 8;10(2):256. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8877934/ 
12. UNICEF India. COVID-19 dos and don’ts after vaccination [Internet]. UNICEF; [cited 2025 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.unicef.org/india/stories/covid-19-dos-and-donts-after-vaccination 
13. National Cancer Institute. Cervical cancer screening [Internet]. CDC; [cited 2025 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/screening 
14. MotherToBaby | Fact Sheets [Internet]. Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS); [cited 2025 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582527/ 
15. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV vaccine administration [Internet]. CDC; [cited 2025 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/hcp/administration.html 

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