Yes, you can still have the HPV vaccination even if you already have HPV. However, it will not treat your existing infection or protect you against the same strain in the future.

But it can still help prevent you from getting other HPV strains.

Though the HPV vaccine is more effective before you have had any exposure to HPV, it can still protect you against HPV strains you have not already come into contact with. This may include strains that cause cancer or those that cause genital warts.

The HPV vaccine covers certain strains, and it’s likely you have not already been exposed to all of them. So, the vaccine will still offer you benefits. The HPV vaccine is available as Gardasil 9 in the United States. This vaccine protects against HPV strains 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.

You’ll still need to get cervical cancer screening even after being vaccinated, as no vaccine works 100%. However, it can reduce your risk significantly.

The HPV vaccine available in the United States is Gardasil 9.

For people younger than age 15, the HPV vaccine is typically administered in two doses over a 6- 12-month period.

If you are older than 15, you’ll have three doses over a period of 6 months.

You can get the vaccine if they’ve not previously been vaccinated, even if you currently have or have ever had HPV. The vaccine will still protect you against many other strains.

It’s a good idea to weigh up the pros and cons and discuss your situation with your doctor before deciding if the vaccine is right for you. The vaccine is not recommended if you are pregnant.

Visit our dedicated HPV hub for answers to all your HPV questions.