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.
Common questions
When is the HPV vaccine given?
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).
What is the HPV vaccine dose and route?
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).
Can the HPV vaccine be given late?
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.
What are the side effects of the HPV vaccine?
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.
Which HPV vaccine brands are available in India?
HPV4: Cervavac (SII), Gardasil-4. HPV9: Gardasil-9
See the full IAP-ACVIP 2025 immunisation schedule →
About this page
Aligned with the IAP-ACVIP Recommended Immunization Schedule 2025 and compiled from standard paediatric references. Verify against the current product insert, the national schedule and your local protocol.
Spotted something wrong? Report an error on this page — corrections from clinicians are welcome and are reviewed before any change is published.
Last reviewed 2026-08-12.