HPV Vaccine in Atlanta: 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.
The HPV vaccine is one of the few tools that prevents several cancers. The CDC recommends it for children, teens and some adults. This page answers common questions about the schedule, age limits and adult options, and about how to get started in Atlanta.
Atlanta sits mostly in Fulton County, with a portion in DeKalb County. Both counties have public health departments you can ask about vaccines.
The basics
What does the HPV vaccine do?
It helps the body protect itself against the HPV types that most often cause cervical, anal, throat and other cancers, and genital warts. The CDC says vaccination works best when it is given before a person is exposed to HPV. It is a prevention tool, not a treatment.
Does the vaccine treat an HPV infection I already have?
No. The CDC says the vaccine does not treat existing HPV infections or the health problems they cause. HPV has no cure, but the CDC notes that most infections clear on their own, and a clinician can treat the conditions HPV can cause.
Is the HPV vaccine safe?
The CDC says HPV vaccines have been studied and monitored for safety in the United States for many years. Common effects are brief, such as a sore arm. Talk with a clinician about any allergies or past reactions before you get a shot.
Do I need an HPV test before I get vaccinated?
The CDC does not require testing before vaccination. A clinician can talk through your history with you and decide what makes sense. Routine STI panels usually check for other infections, so ask a clinician what a given test covers.
HPV vaccine age and schedule
What is the recommended HPV vaccine age?
The CDC recommends routine vaccination at age 11 or 12. Vaccination can start as early as age 9. The goal is to finish the series well before any possible exposure to HPV.
What is the HPV vaccine schedule for children and younger teens?
The CDC says people who start before their 15th birthday need 2 doses. The doses are spaced months apart, and the clinic will set the timing with you. Some people with weakened immune systems need 3 doses even if they start young, so ask a clinician.
When are 3 doses needed instead of 2?
The CDC says people who start the series at age 15 or older need 3 doses. People with certain immune conditions also need 3 doses at any age. A clinician confirms which schedule applies to you.
What if a dose was missed or the series was never finished?
The CDC says you do not need to start over. You pick up where you left off, even if years have passed. Bring any vaccine record you have, and a clinic can often look up the rest.
Can teens and young adults catch up on the series?
Yes. The CDC recommends catch-up vaccination for everyone through age 26 who was not vaccinated earlier or did not finish the series. This applies to every gender and orientation.
HPV vaccine for adults
Is there an HPV vaccine for adults over 26?
The CDC says adults aged 27 through 45 may decide on vaccination together with a clinician, which it calls shared clinical decision-making. Fewer people in this group benefit, because many have already been exposed to HPV. A clinician can help you weigh your own situation.
Is the HPV vaccine recommended after age 45?
The CDC does not include a recommendation for vaccination after age 45. If you have questions about your own risk, a clinician is the right person to ask. They can also tell you which screening applies to you.
Can adults who are already sexually active still benefit?
The CDC says some adults can still benefit, since the vaccine protects against HPV types a person may not have had. It will not clear an infection already present. A clinician can talk through what to expect.
Can I get the vaccine during pregnancy?
The CDC says HPV vaccination is not recommended during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to be, tell the clinic. They can tell you when to resume or finish the series.
If I am vaccinated, do I still need cervical cancer screening?
Yes. The vaccine does not cover every cancer-causing HPV type. The USPSTF recommends regular cervical cancer screening starting at age 21 for people with a cervix, and a clinician can explain how often.
Cost and coverage
Will insurance cover the HPV vaccine?
Many health plans cover vaccines the CDC recommends, but coverage can differ by plan and by age, especially for adults in the shared decision range. Call your insurer or the clinic before you go. Ask whether you will owe a copay.
What if my child or I do not have insurance?
The CDC runs the Vaccines for Children program, which helps eligible children and teens through age 18 get recommended vaccines at low or no cost. The Fulton County Board of Health says that people without insurance may be charged fees on a sliding scale for its sexual health services. Ask whether that applies to the vaccine, since the page does not list one.
Where to get it in Atlanta
Where can I get the HPV vaccine in Atlanta?
Start with your regular doctor or pediatrician, or call the Fulton County Board of Health at fultoncountyboh.com. If you live in the DeKalb part of the city, DeKalb Public Health at dekalbpublichealth.com serves that area. Pharmacies may also give the vaccine to older teens and adults, so ask by phone.
Do the Fulton County health centers offer it?
Their sexual health pages list STI screening, treatment and PrEP at sites such as 10 Park Place Health Center, (770) 520-7500. The pages we found do not list the HPV vaccine by name. Call the center first to confirm it is offered and whether you need an appointment.
Should I call before I go?
Yes. Hours, walk-in rules and vaccine supply can change. Ask what to bring, such as an insurance card and any vaccine record.
Related sexual health care
Is HPV part of a regular STI test?
Not usually. Standard panels, such as the free chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis screenings listed by AID Atlanta, cover other infections. The CDC says no approved test finds HPV in men, and HPV testing for the cervix is part of cervical screening. For a full picture of testing options, see our guide to STD testing in Atlanta, or browse the local testing list. You can also find a site through gettested.cdc.gov.
Is HIV prevention a separate conversation?
Yes. The HPV vaccine does not protect against HIV or other STIs. If you want to learn about daily or long-acting HIV prevention, read about PrEP in Atlanta. A clinician can help you build a prevention plan that fits you.