At what age can the human papillomavirus vaccination start?

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is recommended to begin at age 9. This timing is pivotal because starting the vaccination at this age ensures that preteens receive the vaccine before they become sexually active, thereby maximizing its effectiveness in preventing HPV-related cancers and diseases.

The vaccination series is typically administered in two or three doses, depending on the age at which the individual receives the first dose. Early vaccination is crucial as it provides protection against HPV strains that are most commonly associated with cervical and other types of cancer.

While it may seem possible to administer the vaccine at ages younger than 9, guidelines and research indicate that the optimal age to start the vaccination is at 9 years old. Consequently, later ages, such as 10 or 11 years, are still within the recommended range but do not represent the earliest effective starting point for the vaccination.