This page is general health information, not medical advice. It cannot tell you whether you have an infection. A clinician can, and the testing options on this site are a good place to start.

The HPV vaccine is one of the few tools that can prevent several kinds of cancer. Most people in Dallas have questions about when to get it, how many doses they need and what it costs. These answers follow CDC vaccine recommendations and point to Dallas clinics that list the vaccine.

The basics

What does the HPV vaccine do?

It helps the body protect itself against the types of human papillomavirus that most often cause cervical cancer, other HPV-related cancers and genital warts. The CDC says the vaccine works best when it is given before a person is exposed to HPV. It is a prevention tool, not a treatment for an infection that is already there.

Who should get the HPV vaccine?

The CDC recommends routine HPV vaccination for all children at age 11 or 12, regardless of gender. It also recommends catch-up vaccination for everyone through age 26 who was not vaccinated earlier. Adults 27 to 45 can talk with a clinician about it, as covered below.

Is HPV common?

Yes. The CDC says HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, and most sexually active people will have it at some point. Many infections clear on their own without causing problems, but some types can lead to cancer or warts over time.

Does the vaccine protect against every type of HPV?

No. It covers the types most linked to cancer and genital warts, not every type. That is why the CDC still advises regular cervical cancer screening for people who have a cervix, even if they are vaccinated.

HPV vaccine age and schedule

What is the HPV vaccine age for routine vaccination?

The CDC recommends starting at 11 or 12. Vaccination can begin as early as age 9. Starting early means the series is done well before most people are exposed to HPV.

What is the HPV vaccine schedule for children and young teens?

The CDC says people who start before their 15th birthday need two doses, given 6 to 12 months apart. If the doses are given closer together than that, the CDC says a third dose is needed. A clinician can check a child's record and tell you where they are in the series.

What is the HPV vaccine schedule if I start at 15 or older?

The CDC recommends three doses for people who start the series at age 15 or older. The doses are spread over about six months. The CDC also recommends three doses for people with certain conditions that weaken the immune system, no matter their age.

What if I missed a dose or it has been years since the first one?

The CDC says you do not need to start over. A clinician can look at your records and give the remaining dose or doses. If you cannot find your records, ask the clinic what they can look up or recommend.

HPV vaccine for adults

Can I get the HPV vaccine as an adult?

Yes. The CDC recommends catch-up vaccination through age 26 for anyone who was not vaccinated as a child. Adults 27 through 45 are covered by a different approach called shared clinical decision-making. That means you and a clinician decide together.

Why is the guidance different for ages 27 to 45?

The CDC explains that most adults in this age range have already been exposed to HPV, so the vaccine offers less benefit on average. Some people still may benefit, for example if they have a new partner. A clinician can talk through your situation with you.

Is the HPV vaccine only for women?

No. The CDC recommends it for people of every gender. HPV can cause cancers and warts in anyone, so vaccination is recommended for boys and men as well as girls and women, regardless of orientation.

Is the HPV vaccine safe during pregnancy?

The CDC says HPV vaccination is not recommended during pregnancy, and the series can wait until after pregnancy. A pregnancy test before the shot is not required, and the CDC does not recommend ending a pregnancy because a dose was given. If you are pregnant or planning to be, ask your clinician about timing.

I already had an HPV test or an abnormal result. Is the vaccine still worth asking about?

Only a clinician can say what a result means for you. The CDC notes the vaccine does not treat an existing infection, but it may still protect against HPV types you have not had. Bring up your results at your visit so the clinician can advise you.

Safety and side effects

Is the HPV vaccine safe?

The CDC says the HPV vaccine has been studied closely and is safe and effective, and its safety continues to be monitored. As with other vaccines, tell your clinician about any severe allergies before the shot.

What side effects are common?

The CDC lists mild effects such as a sore, red or swollen arm, headache or fever. Fainting can happen after any vaccine, particularly in teens and young adults, so clinics often ask you to sit for a few minutes afterward. Call a clinician if something worries you.

Do I still need cervical cancer screening if I am vaccinated?

Yes, if you have a cervix. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends regular cervical cancer screening for women ages 21 to 65, with the test type and timing depending on age. The vaccine does not cover every cancer-causing HPV type, so screening still matters. The Dallas County Sexual Health Clinic says it does not offer Pap smears, so ask your regular clinician or a clinic that lists them.

Cost and coverage

How much does the HPV vaccine cost in Dallas?

No price for the HPV vaccine is published on the Dallas clinic pages we reviewed, so call the clinic before you go. Costs depend on your insurance, your age and the clinic's fee policy. Ask whether there is a fee for the shot, a separate visit fee, or both.

Does insurance cover it?

The CDC says most health plans cover routine vaccines recommended by its advisory committee, but coverage for adults can vary by plan and age. Medicaid coverage for adult vaccines also differs. Check your plan or ask the clinic to confirm before your visit.

Is there help paying for children and teens?

The CDC's Vaccines for Children program provides vaccines at no cost to eligible children through age 18, including those who are uninsured or on Medicaid. Not every clinic takes part, so ask when you call. For adults without coverage, ask about a sliding fee scale.

Where to get it in Dallas

Where can I get the HPV vaccine in Dallas?

The CDC GetTested locator lists the HPV vaccine at several Dallas sites: the Dallas County Health and Human Services Sexual Health Clinic, Foremost Family Health Centers (MLK Jr Family Clinic), Parkland Health (Southeast Dallas Health Center), AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) in Dallas and Neighborhood Medical Center. Your own doctor or pediatrician can also give it. See the full list of Dallas testing clinics for addresses and phone numbers.

Do I need an appointment?

It depends on the site. The county's Sexual Health Clinic at 2377 N. Stemmons Freeway requires appointments, at (214) 819-1819, and the CDC GetTested listing is where its HPV vaccine service appears, not the county page, so confirm with them first. The GetTested listings for AHF (7777 Forest Ln, (972) 383-1060) and Neighborhood Medical Center (5917 Belt Line Rd, (972) 726-6464) say an appointment is not required. Foremost (2922-B MLK Jr Blvd, (214) 426-3645) and Parkland Southeast Dallas (9202 Elam Rd, (214) 266-1600) are listed as appointment-based, so call ahead.

Can a teen get the vaccine without a parent?

Texas Family Code Sec. 32.003 lets a minor of any age consent to diagnosis and treatment of reportable infectious diseases. That section does not clearly mention vaccines, so ask the clinic about its consent rules for the HPV shot. The law also lets a physician tell a parent about treatment, so no clinic can promise it will never tell a parent. The Children's Health teen clinic says a parent or guardian must give general consent for a minor to be treated there.

Can I get tested for other infections at the same visit?

Many of these clinics also offer STI and HIV testing, so ask whether you can combine visits. Our guide to STD testing in Dallas explains the options, and the CDC's GetTested locator helps you find nearby sites. If you are thinking about HIV prevention, read about PrEP in Dallas.

HPV Vaccine in Dallas: Ages, Schedule and Where to Get It