This page is general health information, not medical advice. It cannot tell you whether you have an infection. A clinician can, and the testing options on this site are a good place to start.

The HPV vaccine is one of the few vaccines that helps protect against several kinds of cancer. Most Miami families first hear about it at a pediatric visit, but adults ask about it too.

This page answers common questions about the HPV vaccine schedule, the HPV vaccine age range, and HPV vaccine for adults. It also covers cost and the Miami clinics that list the vaccine. A clinician can tell you what fits your own health history.

The basics

What is the HPV vaccine?

It is a vaccine that protects against the types of human papillomavirus that most often cause cancers and genital warts. The CDC says the vaccine used in the United States covers nine HPV types. It prevents infection before it starts, so it works best when given before a person is exposed.

What does the vaccine protect against?

The CDC says HPV vaccination helps prevent cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers, penile and anal cancers, and cancers of the back of the throat. It also helps prevent genital warts. Protection is against the HPV types in the vaccine, so it is not a shield against every HPV type.

Is the HPV vaccine safe?

The CDC says HPV vaccines have been studied for many years and are monitored for safety in the United States. Common side effects are usually mild, such as a sore arm, headache or feeling tired. Tell the clinician about any allergies before the shot.

Does the vaccine treat an HPV infection someone already has?

No. The CDC says the vaccine prevents new infections and does not treat an existing infection or disease. HPV is not curable, but many infections clear on their own and the health problems it can cause are treatable. A clinician can explain what that means for you.

Ages and the HPV vaccine schedule

What is the recommended HPV vaccine age?

The CDC recommends routine vaccination at age 11 or 12. Vaccination can begin as early as age 9. Starting early means the series is finished well before most people are exposed to HPV.

How many doses does the HPV vaccine schedule require?

The CDC says people who start before their 15th birthday need 2 doses. People who start at age 15 or older need 3 doses. The CDC also recommends 3 doses for people ages 9 through 26 with certain immune conditions, including HIV. Your clinician sets the exact timing.

How far apart are the two doses for younger teens?

The CDC says the two-dose series is given 6 to 12 months apart. Ask the clinic to note your next visit before you leave, so the second dose does not get lost. A clinician can also tell you what to do if a dose was missed.

What is catch-up vaccination?

The CDC recommends that everyone through age 26 get the vaccine if they were not vaccinated earlier or did not finish the series. That applies to people of every gender. If you are unsure what you received as a child, ask your clinician to check your records.

What if I started the series but never finished?

The CDC says you do not need to start over. A clinician can pick up where you left off, even if years have passed. Bring any vaccine records you have, or ask the clinic how to request them.

HPV vaccine for adults

Can adults get the HPV vaccine?

Yes, within limits. The CDC recommends vaccination for everyone through age 26. For HPV vaccine for adults ages 27 through 45, the CDC recommends shared clinical decision-making, which means you and a clinician decide together.

Why is it a shared decision after age 26?

The CDC explains that more people have already been exposed to HPV by their late 20s and beyond, so the vaccine offers less benefit on average. Some adults still may benefit, for example if they have a new partner. A clinician can talk through your situation without judgment.

Is there an upper age limit?

The CDC does not recommend routine vaccination after age 45. If you are older and curious, a clinician can discuss your options and other ways to protect your health, such as screening.

Can I get vaccinated if I have already been exposed to HPV?

The CDC says people who have had HPV can still receive the vaccine. It may protect against HPV types they have not yet encountered. It will not treat an existing infection, and a clinician can explain what the vaccine can and cannot do for you.

Is the vaccine recommended during pregnancy?

The CDC says the HPV vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy, and that a series can be delayed until after pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to be, tell the clinician before the shot.

Cost and coverage in Miami

How much does the HPV vaccine cost?

The clinic pages we reviewed do not list a price for the vaccine, so check with the clinic before your visit. Many insurance plans cover vaccines the CDC recommends, so ask what your plan includes. Ask about the full cost, including any visit fee.

Is there help for children and teens without insurance?

The CDC runs the Vaccines for Children program, which provides vaccines at no cost to eligible children and teens through age 18. Eligibility includes children who are uninsured or on Medicaid. Ask a participating clinic whether your child qualifies.

Can I get the vaccine if I am uninsured or underinsured?

Some Miami community health centers use a sliding fee scale, which adjusts cost to income. Care Resource says it provides services on a sliding fee scale for people who are uninsured or underinsured. Call ahead to ask whether the HPV vaccine is included and what you would pay.

Where to get it in Miami

Which Miami clinics list HPV vaccination?

Three community health centers list the HPV vaccine among their services, according to the clinics and CDC GetTested. Care Resource, 3510 Biscayne Blvd., can be reached at 305-576-1234. Borinquen Medical Centers, 3601 Federal Hwy, is at 305-576-6611, and Jessie Trice Community Health System, 5361 NW 22nd Ave, is at 305-637-6400. Both Borinquen and Jessie Trice accept insurance, Medicaid and Medicare. You can also see the local testing list for more clinics, and CDC's GetTested tool shows more options.

Does the Miami-Dade health department offer it?

The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County lists low or no-cost testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV at its STI clinics. Its STI page does not mention the HPV vaccine, so call 305-575-3800 or check with the health department before you go.

Can a minor get the vaccine without a parent?

Florida's minor consent law, Fla. Stat. § 384.30, covers examination and treatment for sexually transmissible diseases and keeps those visits confidential. It does not clearly address vaccination, so ask the clinic how consent works for a vaccine visit.

After vaccination

Do I still need cervical cancer screening?

Yes. The vaccine does not cover every HPV type that can cause cancer, so the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force still recommends cervical cancer screening for people with a cervix, starting at age 21. A clinician can tell you which test and how often.

Does vaccination replace STI testing or other prevention?

No. The vaccine protects against certain HPV types only and does not prevent chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis or HIV. For those, see our guide to STD testing in Miami and our overview of PrEP in Miami, which is a prescription clinicians offer to help prevent HIV.

Next steps

If you are due for a vaccine, call one of the clinics above and ask about availability and cost. If you also want testing, free or low-cost options are available in Miami, and CDC's GetTested tool can help you find more.

HPV Vaccine in Miami: Ages, Schedule and Where to Get It