# Do I Still Need a Smear Test After the HPV Vaccine? > Do you still need a smear or HPV test after HPV vaccination? Which types the vaccine covers, its limits, the screening schedule after vaccination and the… Published: 26 September 2026 · Medically reviewed by: Op. Dr. Murat Alpay **Do you still need a smear or HPV test after HPV vaccination? Which types the vaccine covers, its limits, the screening schedule after vaccination and the ideal age.** Short answer: Yes, you do. Women who have had the HPV vaccine should follow the same age-based screening schedule as unvaccinated women. The vaccine gives very strong protection, but it does not cover every HPV type that can cause cervical cancer. It is also protective, not a treatment; it does not treat an infection or cell change that is already present. ## Which HPV Types Does the Vaccine Protect Against? HPV vaccines fall into three groups according to the number of types they cover: - **Two-type vaccine:** Protects against HPV 16 and 18, which carry the highest cancer risk. - **Four-type vaccine:** In addition to HPV 16 and 18, also protects against HPV 6 and 11, which cause about 90% of genital warts. - **Nine-type vaccine:** In addition to the types above, it also covers the high-risk types HPV 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. ## How Well Does It Protect, and What Are Its Limits? In people who have not yet met the virus, the vaccine's efficacy is above 95%. The nine-type vaccine prevents more than 90% of cervical cancers and pre-cancerous changes caused by the types it covers. But it has limits too: - **Types it does not cover:** It does not give direct full protection against other high-risk types that can cause cervical cancer (for example HPV 35, 39, 51, 56, 59, 68). - **Infection before vaccination:** It has no protective effect against an active HPV infection acquired before vaccination or against cell changes that have already developed. ## Does the Screening Schedule Change After Vaccination? No. According to screening guidelines, being vaccinated does not change the schedule. The general approach in the guidelines is: - **Ages 21-29:** Usually a smear test every 3 years, whether vaccinated or not. - **Ages 30-65:** Preferably an HPV test every 5 years (or a smear and HPV test together every 5 years, or a smear alone every 3 years). These intervals can differ by country and by personal risk. Your doctor decides the right schedule for you. ## At What Age Should the Vaccine Be Given? - **Ideal period is 9-12 years:** Recommended for girls and boys before they meet the virus. - **Ages 13-26:** Catch-up vaccination is recommended for everyone not yet vaccinated. It should be known that vaccination at 22-26 is less effective at preventing cancer than at younger ages. - **Ages 27-45:** Some committees state that vaccination can be given through shared decision-making with a doctor. Some organisations consider the benefit at this age very limited and do not recommend routine vaccination. ## Can Someone Who Is Already HPV Positive Be Vaccinated? No HPV test or smear is needed before vaccination. People who have had HPV before or are HPV positive can also be vaccinated; the vaccine protects against the vaccine types they have not yet met. However, it does not clear the current infection and does not treat existing cervical changes (CIN). ## What Should You Do If You Are Vaccinated? - Do not stop screening because you are vaccinated; have the smear or HPV test that suits your age on a regular basis. - If an abnormal result comes back, being vaccinated does not change management; follow the follow-up your doctor recommends. - If you are not vaccinated, talk to your doctor about vaccine options for your age. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### If I am vaccinated, can I still test HPV positive? The vaccine only protects against the types it covers. Infection with types it does not cover, or an infection acquired before vaccination, is still possible; that is why an HPV test can come back positive in vaccinated people too. ### Does the HPV vaccine treat existing HPV? No. The vaccine is protective, not therapeutic. It does not speed up clearance of an existing infection. ### When should the vaccine be given? Before meeting the virus, ideally around ages 9-12, gives the greatest benefit. It can be given later, but its benefit decreases as age increases. Written and reviewed by **Op. Dr. Murat Alpay** Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology · Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine (Çapa) [Full biography →](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/hakkinda/) [← All posts](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/blog/) --- Original page: https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/blog/hpv-asisi-yaptirdim-smear-testi-hala-gerekir-mi/ Last updated: 2026-09-26 Op. Dr. Murat Alpay — Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Op. Dr. Murat Alpay Practice, Tekelioğlu Cd. No:51 B Kat:2, Filo Apt., 07160 Muratpaşa / Antalya 0505 351 77 88 · Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 18:00 · Closed on Sunday *This information is for general guidance only and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment.*