Ask the Experts: HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Contraindications & Precautions

Results (4)

Contraindications are the following:

  • HPV vaccine is contraindicated for people with a history of immediate hypersensitivity to any vaccine component, including yeast.
  • The precaution to HPV vaccine is a moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever. Vaccination should be deferred until the condition improves.

HPV vaccines are not recommended for use during pregnancy. If a person is found to be pregnant after starting the vaccination series, the remainder of the 2- or 3-dose series (depending on the age of first HPV vaccination) should be delayed until completion of pregnancy. Pregnancy testing is not needed before vaccination. If a vaccine dose has been administered during pregnancy, no intervention is needed. You can find more information about HPV vaccine and pregnancy in the ACIP recommendations at: www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr6305a1.htm.

Last reviewed: March 2, 2024

Yes. A woman with evidence of present or past HPV infection identified through cervical screening may be vaccinated, and should be vaccinated if age 26 or younger. Infection with one type of HPV does not prevent infection with additional types. Vaccination can prevent infections with additional HPV types included in the vaccine. Recipients of HPV vaccinations should be counseled that the vaccine will not have a therapeutic effect on any existing HPV infections or cervical lesions. In other words, vaccination does not treat existing HPV infections or the lesions (warts, cancer, or pre-cancerous changes) caused by them.

Last reviewed: March 2, 2024

Yes.

Last reviewed: March 2, 2024

No. Even a woman found to be infected with a strain of HPV that is present in the vaccine could receive protection from the other strains in the vaccine.

Last reviewed: March 2, 2024

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