Does Insurance Cover Hpv Vaccine

When Should Adults Get The Hpv Vaccine

The best time to get the HPV vaccine is before you’ve started having sexual activity. That’s why the CDC recommends that both boys and girls get their vaccination at age 11 or 12, although they can get the vaccine as early as age 9. If you’re 13 or older and you haven’t already been vaccinated, you can still get the vaccine.

It is recommended for all people through the age of 26. Some adults ages 27-45 may get the vaccine after talking with their doctor.

How many shots do I need?

The CDC recommends two doses of HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12 years. The second shot should be given 6-12 months after the first.

If you can get all shots prior to age 15, only two are needed. Three doses are needed if you get the first dose on or after your 15th birthday, and for people with weakened immune systems. The second dose should be given 1-2 months after the first dose. And the third dose should be given 6 months after the first dose.

If I already have HPV, will this vaccine treat it?

If you have a current HPV, the vaccine won’t get rid of it. But, if you have one type of HPV, the vaccine may prevent you from getting another type of the virus. There’s really no way to treat the virus once you have it, although there are treatments for diseases caused by HPV such as genital warts and genital cancers. This is why you should have regular pelvic exams and Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer.

Who Should Be Immunized

The Centers for Disease Control recommends routine HPV vaccination for all children at age 11 or 12 years. However, the vaccine is safe for everyone aged 9 to 45 years.

Research shows that HPV is often acquired soon after the first sexual encounter.

Ideally, you should get the vaccine before any exposure to HPV through sexual contact. However, people who have already been infected with one or more types of HPV can still be protected from other HPV types.

Who Should Get Hpv Vaccine

HPV vaccination is recommended at ages 1112 years. HPV vaccines can be given starting at age 9 years. All preteens need HPV vaccination, so they are protected from HPV infections that can cause cancer later in life.

• Teens and young adults through age 26 years who didnt start or finish the HPV vaccine series also need HPV vaccination.

CDC recommends that 11- to 12-year-olds receive two doses of HPV vaccine 6 to 12 months apart.

• The first dose is routinely recommended at ages 1112 years old. The vaccination can be started at age 9 years.
• Only two doses are needed if the first dose was given before 15th birthday.

Teens and young adults who start the series later, at ages 15 through 26 years, need three doses of HPV vaccine.

• Children aged 9 through 14 years who have received two doses of HPV vaccine less than 5 months apart will need a third dose.
• Three doses are also recommended for people aged 9 through 26 years who have weakened immune systems.

Vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years.

• Some adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination for them.
• HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit, because more people in this age range have already been exposed to HPV.

Also Check: Does Medicare Part D Cover The Shingles Vaccine

Vaccination Of Specific Populations

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

HPV vaccines are not recommended for use in pregnancy because data on HPV vaccination in pregnancy are limited. HPV vaccine, however, has not been causally associated with adverse outcomes of pregnancy or adverse events to the developing fetus. In the absence of data, it is recommended that initiation of the HPV vaccine series should be delayed until after completion of the pregnancy. If a woman is found to be pregnant after initiating the vaccination series, completion of the series should be delayed until after pregnancy. No intervention is required if vaccine has been administered during pregnancy.

Vaccine recipients and health care providers are encouraged to report any exposure to HPV4 or HPV9 vaccine during pregnancy to the vaccine manufacturer at 1-800-567-2594. Exposure to HPV2 vaccine during pregnancy should be reported to the vaccine manufacturer at 1-800-387-7374.

There are limited data on the effects on breastfed infants from HPV vaccination of their mothers however, there have been no reported adverse events thought to be vaccine-related. Therefore, HPV vaccine may be administered to breastfeeding women.

Refer to Immunization in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding in Part 3 for additional information about vaccination of women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Immunocompromised persons

Refer to Immunization of Immunocompromised Persons in Part 3 for additional information about vaccination of people who are immunocompromised.

Why Should The Hpv Vaccine Be Given To Pre

The vaccine work best at this age. Research shows that younger people have a better immune response to the vaccine than those in their late teens and early 20s. And, the vaccines will prevent the covered types of HPV only if they are given before exposure to the virus.

This is also an age when other vaccinations are given, and when children are likely to still be getting regular medical check-ups.

Also Check: How Many Vaccines Does The Us Have

How Long Is The Hpv Vaccine Effective

Studies also show that the HPV vaccine gives long-lasting protection against HPV. The longer the vaccine is out, the more scientists will know about how long it works for. But so far the vaccines are being shown to last for many years.

Since the HPV vaccine was recommended in 2006 in the U.S., rates of infection, genital warts, and cervical precancers have gone down a lot.

Is Hpv Testing Needed Before Getting The Vaccine

No. In fact, testing is not recommended because it cannot show if the HPV vaccine will be effective or not. A positive HPV test result doesnt always tell you which types of HPV you have. And even if you are infected with one type of HPV, the vaccine could still prevent other types of HPV infection. A negative test result cannot tell you if youve had HPV in the past.

Recommended Reading: How To Treat Baby Fever After Vaccination

Getting The Vaccine From Tricare Authorized Providers

You can get covered vaccines from any TRICARE authorized provider.

• If enrolled in a Prime option and want to get the vaccine from a non-network provider, you must have a referral and authorization to avoid paying point-of-service fees.
• If you get the vaccine from your provider, you may have to pay copayments or cost-shares for the office visit or other services received during the office visit.

Who Should Not Get Hpv Vaccine

Tell your doctor about any severe allergies. Some people should not get some HPV vaccines if:

• They have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any ingredient of an HPV vaccine, or to a previous dose of HPV vaccine.
• They have an allergy to yeast .
• They are pregnant.

HPV vaccines are safe for children who are mildly ill, like those with a low-grade fever of less than 101 degrees, a cold, runny nose, or cough. People with a moderate or severe illness should wait until they are better.

Don’t Miss: Where Can You Get Hpv Vaccine

Safety And Adverse Events

Common and local adverse events

Based on pre-licensure clinical trials, involving more than 15,000 subjects given HPV4 vaccine and 12,000 given HPV2 vaccine, the most common adverse events in persons receiving HPV vaccines were: injection site pain , swelling or redness . These adverse events were observed significantly more often following HPV vaccine than following active vaccine or placebo controls. In over 94% of subjects who received HPV vaccine, the reactions were mild to moderate in intensity, resolved over a few days, and did not prevent completion of the immunization schedule. Systemic adverse events, such as fatigue, myalgia, headache, fever, and nausea, generally occurred with comparable frequency in vaccine and control groups. The safety profile of HPV9 vaccine is comparable to HPV4 vaccine, although mild to moderate intensity injection site reactions are more common following receipt of HPV9 vaccine.

Since vaccine licensure, hundreds of millions of doses of HPV vaccine have been distributed worldwide. Data from post-licensure safety surveillance reporting systems have consistently mirrored the pre-licensure data with the most frequently reported adverse events following immunization being vaccination site reactions and muscle pain.

Less common and serious or severe adverse events

Other reported adverse events and conditions

Guidance on Reporting Adverse Events Following Immunization

Contraindications and precautions

Will My Insurance Cover The Cost Of The Hpv Vaccine

Most insurance plans cover routine vaccines, which means that if you’re in the recommended age group, your insurance should pay for the vaccine. Check with your insurance company just to be sure. If your family doesn’t have health insurance or you’re on Medicaid, you should be able to get the HPV vaccine for free through the Vaccines for Children program.

Recommended Reading: What Vaccines Do Babies Get At 15 Months

Merck Vaccine Program Income Eligibility Requirements

In 2021, you could qualify for the Merck assistance program if you made $51,520 or less as an individual, $69,680 or less as a couple, or $106,000 or less as a family of four.

Merck will also take special circumstances into account and makes exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Do not let the income qualifications deter you from applying. You may still be approved based on your specific situation.

For more information, call Merck Patient Assistance Program at 727-5400 or visit the company’s website.

How Much Does The Hpv Vaccine Cost

Each dose of the vaccine can cost about $250. Luckily, many health insurance companies cover the HPV vaccine. There are also programs that help some people without insurance get the vaccine for low or no cost.

You deserve to be healthy, regardless of whether you have health insurance. Talk with the staff at your local Planned Parenthood health center or another nurse or doctor to get more information about ways to make the vaccine more affordable.

Don’t Miss: Clean Out Viruses For Free

When Should My Child Get The Hpv Vaccine

The vaccine is given as a series of shots. HPV vaccination works best when given between ages 9 and 12.

Children and young adults age 13 through 26 who have not been vaccinated, or who havent gotten all their doses, should get the vaccine as soon as possible. Vaccination of young adults will not prevent as many cancers as vaccination of children and teens.

The American Cancer Society does not recommend HPV vaccination for persons older than 26 years.

Hpv Vaccinations And Young Adults

Now is the time to get the HPV vaccine.

HPV is a common virus that can cause genital warts and 6 types of cancer in men and women. If you are age 26 or younger and have not yet received the HPV vaccine, you need to get vaccinated to protect yourself against HPV-related cancers and genital warts.

The vaccine is inexpensive and easy to get. The sooner you get the vaccine, the better it can protect you from HPV-related cancers.

Also Check: What Does A Vaccine Do

Possible Side Effects And Risks

The vaccine is safe, effective and generally well tolerated. Reactions are usually mild. Common side effects include pain, swelling and redness where the vaccine was given, headache, fever, dizziness, nausea, vomiting or feeling faint shortly after receiving the vaccine.

In rare cases, serious allergic reactions such as trouble breathing, rash, swelling in the throat and face may occur. The allergic reactions can be treated and are usually temporary. Please stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after vaccination so staff can monitor for any reactions. There are no long-term side-effects or chronic medical conditions associated with this vaccine.

In USA, 29 million doses of HPV vaccine was given between December 2014 and 2017. Passive surveillance system received 7,244 reports. Most common are dizziness, fainting, headache and general reactions to the injection site. No new safety signals or unexpected patterns were observed.

Hpv Vaccine Dosage Requirements

With a high cost of $217.11 per dose, its important to note that fewer doses are required when receiving the HPV vaccine at a young age. The CDC recommends routine vaccination for all children at age 11 to 12, though it may be administered to kids as young as 9 years old. The vaccine is given as a two-dose series for ages 9-12, totaling $434.22. For older ages, the vaccine requires a three-dose series, which would total $651.33.

Also Check: How Many Different Vaccines Are There

Hpv Vaccine For The Treatment Of Head And Neck Cancer

On June 12, 2020, the FDA approved an expanded indication for Gardasil 9 for the prevention of oropharyngeal and other head and neck cancers caused by HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. The oropharyngeal and head and neck cancer indication is approved under accelerated approval based on effectiveness in preventing HPV-related anogenital disease. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial, which is currently underway.

Im Not Planning To Become Sexually Active Anytime Soon Why Get Vaccinated At All

HPV is so common that you can contract it even if you only have sex with one person.

The CDC currently recommends children begin receiving the HPV vaccine at ages 11 and 12not because theyre sexually active, but because they can develop their immunity better at a younger age. Getting vaccinated before becoming sexually active is the best way to protect yourself against any potential future infectionseven if you dont plan to become sexually active for a while.

Don’t Miss: What Is Pcv13 Vaccine Used For

Who Should Not Get An Hpv Vaccine Or Who Should Wait

Pregnant women should not get any HPV vaccine at this time, even though they appear to be safe for both mother and the unborn baby. If a woman who is pregnant does get an HPV vaccine, its not a reason to consider ending the pregnancy. Women who started a vaccine series before they learned they were pregnant should complete the series after the pregnancy.

Make sure the health care provider knows about any severe allergies. The following should not get an HPV vaccine:

• Those with a severe allergy to yeast should not receive Gardasil or Gardasil 9.
• Anyone who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to anything else contained in the vaccines
• Anyone who has had a serious reaction to an earlier dose of HPV vaccine

Why Should My Child Get The Hpv Vaccine

Infection with the human papillomavirus can cause several cancers. HPV infection cant be treated, but a vaccine can help prevent it. The virus is so common, about 8 out of 10 people will get it at some point in their lives. But most infected people dont know theyre infected. We also know most, but not all, HPV infections go away on their own without lasting health problems. But we dont know which infections will turn into cancer.

The HPV vaccine can help protect children against 6 types of cancer later in life:

It can also help prevent genital warts.

The best way to prevent HPV infection is to get vaccinated. That is why it is important that all children get vaccinated against HPV.

Read Also: Where To Get Yellow Fever Vaccine In Atlanta Ga

Does Health Insurance Pay For The Hpv Vaccines

Insurance plans will probably cover the HPV vaccine cost if it is given according to national guidelines. But check with your insurance plan to be sure.

The vaccines are included in the federal Vaccines for Children program. This program covers vaccine costs for children and teens who dont have insurance. The VFC program provides free vaccines to children and teens younger than 19 years of age, who are either Medicaid-eligible, American Indian or Alaska Native, or uninsured.

The VFC program also allows children and teens to get VFC vaccines through federally qualified health centers or rural health centers. For more on the VFC program or to find the VFC contact where you live, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/contacts-state.html, or call 1-800-232-4636.

Why Do I Need The Hpv Vaccine

Nearly 1 in 4 Americans have HPV, and most who have it are in their late teens and 20s. Most people with HPV dont have symptoms. That means you can get it from someone who doesnt even know theyve been infected.

HPV infections often go away on their own, but when they dont, they can cause 6 types of cancer and genital warts. There is no way to know if an HPV infection will develop into cancer or other health problems later in life.

There is no cure for HPV. HPV can cause:

• Cervical cancer

Read Also: Check My Computer For Viruses Mac

Getting Shots And Vaccines With Your Health Insurance

Vaccines are important for protecting you from preventable diseases like measles, meningitis, and the flu. Vaccines prepare your immune system to fight diseases without making you sick, so that when you’re exposed to the real thing, you can save your days off of work for something more fun than lying in bed with a splitting headache and a burning throat.

The Above Policy Is Based On The Following References:

You May Like: Where Am I In Line For The Vaccine