HPV vaccine
Human Papillomavirus vaccine · IAP
| When to give | From 9 yr. Immunocompetent GIRLS 9–<15 y: SINGLE dose. Boys 9–<15 y: 2 doses (0, 6 mo). ≥15 y & immunocompromised any age: 3 doses (0, 2, 6 mo). |
|---|---|
| Dose | 0.5 mL IM. Quadrivalent (types 6/11/16/18 L1 proteins + aluminium). Nonavalent adds 31/33/45/52/58. |
| Route | Intramuscular |
| Site | Thigh / deltoid (upper arm) |
| Schedule / interval | Girls 9–<15 y: single dose. Boys 9–<15 y: 0 & 6 mo (interval not <5 mo). ≥15 y & immunocompromised: 0, 2, 6 mo (2nd ≥1 mo after 1st; 3rd ≥3 mo after 2nd). |
Catch-up schedule
Cervavac (HPV4-SII) & Gardasil-4: females & males 9–26 y. Gardasil-9: boys 9–<15 y. Gardasil-4 licensed to 45 y. From 15th year onward and all immunocompromised: 3-dose schedule.
Adverse events (AEFI)
Local pain/swelling/redness; syncope (observe seated 15 min); mild fever, headache. Single dose has excellent safety, comparable to multi-dose. Efficacy >90% vs serotype-specific cervical cancer.
Brands available in India
HPV4: Cervavac (SII), Gardasil-4. HPV9: Gardasil-9
Special considerations
2025 UPDATE — immunocompetent girls 9–<15 y now need only a SINGLE dose (KEN SHE / DoRIS / IARC single-dose evidence). Best given before sexual debut. Store 2–8°C, do not freeze.
See the full IAP-ACVIP 2025 immunisation schedule →
Sources
- IAP-ACVIP Recommended Immunization Schedule 2025 (Indian Pediatrics 2026)
- IAP Purple Book 2025, 5th edition