How Many Doses of HPV Vaccine? Schedule, Missed Doses and Courses Started Abroad

Published: 30 October 2026 · Medically reviewed by: Op. Dr. Murat Alpay

The types covered by the 9-valent HPV vaccine, how many doses are given by age, the intervals between doses, what to do if the course is interrupted or was started in another country or with a different vaccine, plus pregnancy, breastfeeding and possible side effects.

As an obstetrics and gynaecology specialist in Antalya, the questions I hear most often about the HPV vaccine are less about the vaccine itself and more about its schedule: "How many doses do I need?", "I missed my second dose, do I have to start again?", "I had my first dose in another country, can I continue here?" In this article I answer these questions based on the sources. For what the vaccine is in general, see the article The HPV vaccine: what it is, who it is for and when it is given, and for general information about HPV, see the HPV page.

Which Types Does the 9-Valent HPV Vaccine Protect Against?

The HPV vaccine in widespread use today is the 9-valent vaccine (protecting against 9 HPV types). The types it covers are:

• High-risk types: 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. It provides high protection against cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva (the external genital area) and anal area, and against advanced cell changes in these areas.
• Low-risk types: 6 and 11. It protects against these types, which cause around 90 per cent of genital warts.

The vaccine does not contain live virus; it is made of protein particles that resemble the virus but cannot cause disease. It does not treat an existing infection; it prevents new infections.

How Many Doses of HPV Vaccine Are Given?

The number of doses depends on the age at which the first dose is given:

• Started at 9–14 years (before the 15th birthday): 2 doses — at month 0 and at months 6–12.
• Started at 15 years or older: 3 doses — at month 0, months 1–2 and month 6.
• People with a weakened immune system (at any age): 3 doses — at month 0, months 1–2 and month 6.

Details of the schedule:

• In the 2-dose schedule, if the interval between the two doses is shorter than 5 months, the immune response may be insufficient, so a 3rd dose is also given.
• In the 3-dose schedule, the second dose is given 1–2 months after the first, and the third dose at least 6 months after the first.
• People with a weakened immune system: those living with HIV, those who have had an organ transplant or those taking medicines that suppress the immune system receive 3 doses whatever their age.
• Single dose: The World Health Organization accepts that single-dose vaccination also provides sufficient protection, particularly in girls aged 9–14. Which schedule applies to a given person is decided together with the doctor.

If the Course Is Interrupted or a Dose Is Late, Do You Start Again?

No. Even if the interval between doses is longer than recommended, or the course has been left unfinished for months or years, the series is not restarted. It continues from where it stopped and the missing doses are completed.

For example, if you had your first dose at the age of 20 and missed the second, vaccination continues with the second dose however much time has passed; the third dose is then given at the appropriate interval.

If You Started Vaccination in Another Country or With a Different Vaccine

Many people who live in Antalya or move to the city have started vaccination in another country. In this case, it is worth knowing the following:

• The series can be completed: doses given in another country are valid; there is no need to start again.
• If a different vaccine was used: a series whose first doses were given with a 2-valent or 4-valent HPV vaccine can be completed by giving the missing doses with the 9-valent vaccine.
• Bring your records: the type of vaccine and the dates of the doses shown on your vaccination card or record are enough to determine how many more doses are needed. The age at the first dose also matters, because it determines whether the 2-dose or the 3-dose schedule applies.

Those who have already completed the series with a 2-valent or 4-valent vaccine: international vaccination guidelines do not recommend routinely revaccinating these people with the 9-valent vaccine. If protection against the additional types is wanted, this can be discussed with the doctor.

Is an HPV Test Needed Before Vaccination?

No. A smear or HPV test before vaccination is not needed and not recommended.

People who have previously had a positive HPV test, an abnormal smear result or a procedure in which a piece of the cervix is removed (conisation) can also be vaccinated. The vaccine does not treat an existing infection, but it protects against the other types the person has not encountered, and it has been reported that it may reduce the risk of the disease recurring after treatment.

The HPV Vaccine in Pregnancy and While Breastfeeding

• Pregnancy: because safety data in pregnancy are limited, the vaccine is not recommended; it is postponed until the pregnancy is over. A routine pregnancy test before vaccination is not required.
• If pregnancy is discovered during the vaccine series: there is no need to end the pregnancy; no harm linked to the vaccine has been found. The remaining doses are left until after the birth.
• Breastfeeding: breastfeeding mothers can be vaccinated.

Who Should Not Have It? Possible Side Effects

Situations in which it should not be given: people who have previously had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis, a sudden life-threatening allergy) to an ingredient of the vaccine (for example, yeast proteins), and pregnant women.

Common and temporary side effects:

• Pain, mild redness and swelling at the injection site
• Mild fever, headache, nausea, a feeling of dizziness

Fainting: brief fainting after the injection can occur, especially in adolescents and young adults. For this reason, it is recommended to wait 15 minutes sitting or lying down after vaccination.

At What Ages Is the HPV Vaccine Given?

• Recommended starting age: 11–12 years (from 9 years at the earliest), in girls and boys.
• Up to the age of 26: recommended for everyone who has not been vaccinated or whose series was left incomplete.
• 27–45 years: in adults who have not been vaccinated before, the decision is made together with the doctor, taking into account the person's risk and the expected benefit.

Is a Smear Test Needed After Vaccination?

Yes. The vaccine does not protect against all high-risk HPV types and does not clear an infection acquired before vaccination. Vaccinated women should also continue cervical cancer screening at intervals appropriate to their age. For details, see the article Do I Still Need a Smear Test After the HPV Vaccine?

Frequently Asked Questions

I delayed the second dose of the HPV vaccine by a year — do I have to start again?

No. The series is not restarted; it continues from where it stopped and the missing doses are completed.

I had my first dose abroad — can I continue in Türkiye?

Yes. The earlier doses are valid. The vaccine type and dose dates on your vaccination card and your age at the first dose are enough to determine how many more doses are needed.

I started with the 4-valent vaccine — can I continue with the 9-valent vaccine?

Yes. A series started with a 2-valent or 4-valent vaccine can be completed by giving the missing doses with the 9-valent vaccine.

I am HPV positive — is there any benefit in being vaccinated?

The vaccine does not treat an existing infection, but it protects against the other HPV types you have not yet encountered. An HPV test before vaccination is not needed.

The information in this article is general. For your own vaccination schedule, you can consult your doctor.