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.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus, and a vaccine can lower the chance of the types that cause most HPV-related cancers. The questions below cover the CDC schedule, who can start at what age, what adults should know, and how to find a vaccine in Las Vegas. Where a clinic's vaccine supply is not published, we say so and point you to the clinic.

The basics

What does the HPV vaccine do?

The CDC says the HPV vaccine protects against the HPV types that most often cause cervical, anal, throat, penile, vaginal and vulvar cancers, and genital warts. It works best when given before a person is exposed to the virus. It is a prevention tool, not a treatment for an HPV infection someone already has.

Is HPV really that common?

The CDC describes HPV as the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Most infections cause no symptoms and clear on their own, according to the CDC. A small share last and can lead to cell changes or cancer over many years.

Which people should get it?

The CDC recommends the vaccine for people of every gender. Anyone with a cervix, penis or anus can be affected by HPV-related disease. Orientation and relationship status do not change the recommendation.

Does the vaccine treat HPV or warts I already have?

No. The CDC states that the vaccine does not treat existing HPV infections or HPV-related disease. A clinician can discuss care for warts or abnormal cell changes, and HPV itself is manageable but not curable.

HPV vaccine age and schedule

What is the recommended HPV vaccine age?

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

What is the HPV vaccine schedule if I start before age 15?

The CDC recommends two doses for people who start before their 15th birthday. The second dose is given 6 to 12 months after the first. A clinician or pharmacist can set the exact dates with you.

What is the schedule if I start at 15 or older?

The CDC recommends three doses for people who start on or after their 15th birthday. The CDC also recommends three doses for people with certain conditions that weaken the immune system, at any age. Ask your clinician which group you fall into.

What if I missed a dose or it has been years?

The CDC says you do not need to restart the series. You pick up where you left off, even if a long time has passed. Bring any vaccine record you have, and the Nevada immunization registry or your past clinic may be able to supply one.

Can a child be vaccinated at the same visit as other shots?

Yes. The CDC schedule at age 11 or 12 pairs the HPV vaccine with the other routine adolescent vaccines. Ask your pediatrician or clinic to bundle them if that is easier for your family.

Can a teen get the vaccine without a parent in Las Vegas?

Nevada Revised Statutes NRS 129.060 sets no minimum age for a minor to consent to examination and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and to STD prevention services. The statute does not name the HPV vaccine specifically, so ask the clinic how it handles vaccine consent for minors before the visit.

HPV vaccine for adults

Can adults get the HPV vaccine?

Yes. The CDC recommends catch-up vaccination for everyone through age 26 who was not vaccinated earlier. Adults who start at 15 or older follow the three-dose schedule.

What about HPV vaccine for adults aged 27 to 45?

The CDC does not recommend it routinely for everyone in this range. Instead it supports shared clinical decision-making, meaning you and a clinician talk about your own risk of new HPV infections. The CDC notes that benefit is smaller at these ages because many people have already been exposed.

Does it still help if I have already had HPV?

It may. The vaccine covers several HPV types, and a past infection with one type does not mean you have met all of them. Only a clinician can talk through what that means for you.

Can I get vaccinated while pregnant?

The CDC says the HPV vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy, and that the series can wait until after delivery. If you learn you were pregnant after a dose, the CDC says no action is needed beyond finishing the series later. Tell your clinician if you are pregnant or planning to be.

Do I still need cervical cancer screening after the vaccine?

Yes. The vaccine does not cover every cancer-causing HPV type. The USPSTF recommends regular cervical cancer screening starting at age 21 for people with a cervix, whether or not they were vaccinated.

Cost and coverage

How much does the HPV vaccine cost in Las Vegas?

No Las Vegas clinic we reviewed publishes a vaccine price, so check with the clinic before you go. Cost depends on your insurance, your age and the site. The Southern Nevada Health District says its clinic charges are based on income and household size, and that nobody is turned away on the day of a visit for inability to pay.

Does insurance cover it?

The CDC says most health plans cover recommended vaccines, which includes routine HPV vaccination in the recommended age groups. Coverage for ages 27 to 45 can differ by plan. Call the number on your insurance card and ask about the HPV vaccine by name.

What if my child has no insurance?

The CDC's Vaccines for Children program provides vaccines at no cost to eligible children through age 18, including those who are uninsured or on Medicaid. Participating providers are the ones to ask. Your pediatrician or a health center can tell you whether they take part.

Where to get it in Las Vegas

Where can I ask about the HPV vaccine in Las Vegas?

Start with your regular doctor or pediatrician, or a pharmacy. The Southern Nevada Health District Sexual Health Clinic at 280 S. Decatur Blvd. takes calls at (702) 759-1700, and Nevada Health Centers runs sliding-fee sites at 1799 Mount Mariah Dr. (702.383.1961) and 691 N. Nellis Blvd. (702.563.4662). The pages we reviewed do not list the HPV vaccine among their services, so ask each one whether it has it in stock.

Is there a place for students?

The UNLV Student Health Center, at 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy., serves UNLV students and lists STI and HIV testing. Call 702-895-3370 to ask about vaccines and fees. It is not open to the general public.

Can I combine the vaccine visit with STI testing?

Often a clinic can talk about both in one visit, but ask when you book. For testing, the Southern Nevada Health District offers free Express Testing for people without symptoms, and the Arlene Cooper Community Health Center at The Center offers free HIV testing and low-cost STI screening. Our guide to STD testing in Las Vegas explains the options, and the local clinic list has addresses and phone numbers. You can also use the CDC's GetTested locator.

Is there other prevention I should know about?

The HPV vaccine covers HPV only. It does not protect against HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis. For HIV prevention, see PrEP in Las Vegas, and talk with a clinician about which prevention tools fit your life.

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