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• Information
  • HPV and Cervical Cancer
  • The HPV Vaccine
  • FAQs
  • About Cervical Cancer
  • About HPV
  • About the HPV Vaccine
  • About this Project


• Where to Get the Vaccine
  • Access and Payment
  • Cumberland County
  • Harnett County
  • Richmond County
  • Robeson County


• For Health Professionals
  • Getting Involved
  • Provider Toolkit


• For Community Partners
  • Getting Involved
  • Project Materials

The HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine is a series of three shots that prevent most cervical cancers and genital warts due to HPV. It works by protecting against the four types of HPV that most commonly cause these diseases. The vaccine has been approved for use by girls and women 9-26 years old since 2006.

The vaccine is most effective if received before girls become sexually active.  For the best protection against the HPV virus, doctors recommend vaccinating girls who are 11 and 12 years old.   

Gardasil® is the brand name for the HPV vaccine that is currently available.  It is the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).  In June 2006, Gardasil® was licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitor the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.

For more detailed information about the HPV vaccine, click About the HPV Vaccine under the FAQs section.