Guideline Recommendations for HPV Vaccination in Males

General Recommendation and Routine Schedule

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends routine HPV vaccination starting at age 11-12 years, but it can be given as early as age 9, with catch-up vaccination for all individuals up to 26 years of age 5, 6

For individuals aged 9-14 years, a 2-dose schedule is recommended, with the second dose given 6-12 months after the first dose, and the series should be completed before the 13th birthday for maximum effectiveness 7, 8
For individuals aged 15-26 years, a 3-dose schedule is recommended, with the second dose given 1-2 months after the first dose, and the third dose given 6 months after the first dose 8
Catch-up vaccination is strongly recommended for all individuals up to 26 years of age who have not been vaccinated or have not completed the vaccine series 5, 6

Men who have sex with men (MSM) and individuals with immunocompromised conditions, including HIV-positive individuals, should receive a 3-dose schedule regardless of age at initiation of vaccination 7, 8
Vaccination should be deferred until after pregnancy is completed, but it can be given to breastfeeding mothers 9

No Pap smear or HPV test is required before vaccination to determine eligibility for vaccination 7, 10
There is no clinical antibody test that can determine whether an individual is already immune or still susceptible to specific HPV types 9

Vaccination is most effective when given before exposure to HPV through sexual activity, with around 24% of teenagers reporting sexual activity by 9th grade and 58.1% by 12th grade 7, 10
The cumulative incidence of HPV infection approaches 40% within the first two years after first sexual intercourse 7

HPV vaccination can prevent around 28,500 cancers per year in the United States, including most cases of cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, oropharyngeal, and penile cancers 8
HPV types 16 and 18 cause around 70% of HPV-related cancers, and the 9-valent vaccine (Gardasil-9) is the only HPV vaccine available in the United States since 2017, protecting against 9 HPV types 8