HPV Vaccine in New York City: Ages, Schedule and Where to Get It
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.
This page answers common questions about HPV vaccination for people in New York City. It follows the CDC's vaccine recommendations and points to city clinics that list HPV vaccination. A clinician can tell you which schedule fits your age and health history.
The Basics
What is the HPV vaccine?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. The CDC says the HPV vaccine protects against the HPV types most likely to cause cancers and genital warts. A clinician gives it as a series of shots.
What health problems does it help prevent?
The CDC says it helps prevent cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal and throat cancers caused by HPV, along with genital warts. It works best when given before someone is exposed to HPV. That is why the CDC recommends it in the preteen years.
Does the vaccine treat an HPV infection I already have?
No. The CDC says the vaccine helps prevent new infections with the types it covers and does not treat an existing infection. HPV is not curable, but it is manageable, and the body clears many infections on its own. A clinician can explain what testing and follow-up apply to you.
Is the HPV vaccine safe?
The CDC says HPV vaccines have been studied and monitored for safety for many years. Side effects are usually mild, such as a sore arm. Tell your clinician about any allergies or past reactions to vaccines.
HPV Vaccine Age and Schedule
What is the recommended HPV vaccine age?
The CDC recommends routine HPV vaccination at age 11 or 12. Vaccination can start as early as age 9. The goal is to protect people before any exposure to the virus.
How many doses are in the HPV vaccine schedule for younger teens?
The CDC says people who start the series before their 15th birthday need two doses. The doses are spaced 6 to 12 months apart. This is the usual HPV vaccine schedule for preteens and young teens.
How many doses do people need if they start at 15 or older?
The CDC says people who start at age 15 or older need three doses over about six months. The CDC also recommends three doses for people with weakened immune systems, whatever their age. A clinician can confirm which applies to you.
Can teens and young adults catch up on missed vaccination?
Yes. The CDC recommends catch-up HPV vaccination for everyone through age 26 who was not vaccinated or did not finish the series. The age at your first dose decides whether you need two doses or three.
Is the HPV vaccine for adults over 26?
For HPV vaccine for adults ages 27 through 45, the CDC does not recommend routine vaccination for everyone. It recommends shared clinical decision-making, which means you and a clinician decide together. The benefit is smaller in this age group because fewer people have new exposure to HPV types they have not already met.
What about adults over 45?
The CDC schedule does not include HPV vaccination after age 45. If you are in this age group and curious about vaccination, ask a clinician about your situation. They can talk through what applies to you.
What if I missed a dose or waited too long between doses?
The CDC says you do not need to start the series over. You can pick up where you left off and get the next dose as soon as you can. A clinic can check your records and tell you what is left.
Can I get the vaccine during pregnancy?
The CDC says HPV vaccination is not recommended during pregnancy, and the series is delayed until after pregnancy. If you got a dose before learning you were pregnant, tell your clinician. They can guide you on next steps.
Cost and Coverage
How much does it cost at New York City clinics?
NYC Health says its Sexual Health Clinics are low-cost to no-cost. Adults 19 and older are asked for insurance or a sliding-scale fee, no proof of income is required, and no one is turned away for inability to pay. The clinics' page does not list a price for the HPV vaccine, so ask when you call.
Will my insurance cover it?
Coverage depends on your plan, so ask your insurer or the clinic before your visit. If you are 18 or younger, the CDC says the Vaccines for Children program provides vaccines for eligible children, including those who are uninsured or underinsured. A clinic can tell you whether your child qualifies.
Does immigration status matter?
NYC Health says its Sexual Health Clinics serve anyone 12 or older, regardless of immigration status. The clinics also do not require parental consent for that age group. Ask the clinic about any paperwork when you call.
Can a minor get care without a parent?
New York Public Health Law section 2305 lets a licensed physician diagnose and treat a person under 21 for a sexually transmitted infection, or for exposure to one, without parental consent or knowledge. The NYC Health clinics serve anyone 12 or older without parental consent. For the vaccine itself at a specific site, call ahead and confirm.
Where to Get Vaccinated in New York City
Which city clinics offer the HPV vaccine?
NYC Health lists HPV vaccination at its open Sexual Health Clinics: Chelsea (303 9th Avenue, Manhattan), Central Harlem (2238 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan), Fort Greene (295 Flatbush Avenue Extension, Brooklyn), Morrisania (1309 Fulton Avenue, Bronx), Jamaica (90-37 Parsons Boulevard, Queens) and Corona (34-33 Junction Boulevard, Queens). Most are walk-in, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Corona stays open until 7:15 p.m. on Thursday. The clinic hotline is 347-396-7959, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Clinics may close early once they reach capacity, and the vaccine there is for patients receiving other sexual health services. See our local testing list or the NYC Health sexual health clinics page for current details.
Are there other places that list the vaccine?
Yes. Callen-Lorde Chelsea (356 W 18th St, 212-271-7200) lists HPV vaccination and says it provides services regardless of ability to pay. Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center (312-320 East 94th Street, 212-423-3000) serves ages 10 to 26 and says its services are completely free. Check with each site about vaccine availability and visit times.
Is there a city clinic on Staten Island?
NYC Health's list of open Sexual Health Clinics does not include one on Staten Island. The Crown Heights (Brooklyn) and Riverside (Manhattan) clinics are closed until further notice. Call the hotline or check the health department page for updates.
Related Sexual Health Care
Does vaccination replace cervical cancer screening?
No. The USPSTF recommends cervical cancer screening for people with a cervix starting at age 21, and vaccination does not replace it. A clinician can explain which screening fits your age. Screening and vaccination work together.
Can I get STD testing at the same visit?
The NYC Health Sexual Health Clinics list both STD and HIV testing among their services. The CDC also runs gettested.cdc.gov to find testing sites by ZIP code. Our guide to STD testing in New York City covers free and low-cost options.
Where does HIV prevention fit in?
The same NYC Health clinics list PrEP, PEP and doxy-PEP among their services. Our guide to PrEP in New York City explains how to get it and what it costs. A clinician can talk through which options fit your life.