What is the recommended age for children to receive their first Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine?

The recommended age for children to receive their first Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is 11 or 12 years of age. This timing is suggested because the vaccine works best when given before individuals become sexually active. Administering the vaccine at this age also aligns with other routine vaccinations that are given during this period.

The HPV vaccine is crucial for protecting against the types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer and other genital cancers, as well as some cancers of the throat. The immune response is generally stronger in preteens than in older teenagers and young adults, which increases the effectiveness of the vaccine.

Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorses vaccination starting at ages 11 or 12, highlighting that the vaccine can be administered as early as age 9, but 11 or 12 is the preferred age for the initial doses to be given.