HPV and the Gardasil 9 vaccine: who and at what age
Updated
In brief
- Persistent infection with oncogenic HPV types causes cervical cancer and also cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis and oropharynx; the vaccine is one of the few that directly prevent cancer.
- Vaccination is ideally given before sexual activity begins, usually at 9–12: under 15 two doses are sufficient, from 15 onwards three; boys are vaccinated too.
- The vaccine does not cover every oncogenic type, so vaccinated women continue cervical screening by age.
What the virus does
HPV is an extremely common sexually transmitted infection; most people encounter it during their lives and in most cases the body clears it. The problem comes from persistent infection with oncogenic types: these cause precancerous change and cancer of the cervix, and also cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis and oropharynx. Other types cause anogenital warts.
Why boys are vaccinated too
Two reasons. First, men develop HPV-associated cancers themselves, and oropharyngeal cancer in men is rising. Second, vaccinating both sexes interrupts transmission, protecting those who are not vaccinated. Modern vaccination programmes are therefore gender-neutral.
Age and schedule
Vaccination is ideally given before sexual activity begins, when protection is greatest. The usual starting age is 9–12. The schedule depends on age at the first dose: under 15, two doses are sufficient, with an interval; from 15 onwards, three. This is immunology rather than marketing — adolescents mount a stronger immune response.
Vaccinating adults is also possible and discussed individually. It does not treat an existing infection but protects against the types you have not yet met — and the nine-valent vaccine covers nine of them.
Prices at GMS
- Gardasil 9, single dose — AED 1,100;
- two-dose course for children under 15 — AED 2,600;
- three-dose course — AED 3,900.
Before vaccination a doctor examines the patient and checks for contraindications, as with any other vaccine.
Screening still applies
A point often missed: the vaccine does not cover every oncogenic type, so vaccinated women continue cervical screening by age. Current guidance has moved away from an annual smear towards HPV testing every 5 years or cytology every 3 years, starting at 21–25 — more in our article on the annual gynecological check-up. Here a liquid-based Pap test is AED 300.
Where to be vaccinated
GMS vaccinates daily, and a gynecologist consultation is AED 600. The full list of vaccines and prices is on our vaccination page. Consultations in English and Russian.
What this is based on
FAQ
Why vaccinate boys?
Men develop HPV-associated cancers themselves, and oropharyngeal cancer in men is rising. Vaccinating both sexes also interrupts transmission, protecting those who are not vaccinated.
Can adults be vaccinated?
Yes, vaccinating adults is possible and discussed individually. It does not treat an existing infection but protects against the types you have not yet met among the nine the vaccine covers.
Do I still need cervical screening after the vaccine?
Yes. The vaccine does not cover every oncogenic type, so screening continues by age: HPV testing every 5 years or cytology every 3 years, starting at 21–25.
This article is for information only and does not replace a consultation. If you have symptoms, see a doctor.
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