It was originally approved for females ages 9 through 26. Then the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended both females and males get vaccinated up to age 26. However, people can get vaccinated up to age 45.

Merck officials said they decided to run the new commercials because market research the company conducted last year showed that while 85 percent of parents were familiar with HPV, only 50 percent were aware of its link to cancer.

Males and females ages 9 to 45 can get the vaccine In fact, patients 15 and older should receive three shots over the course of six months to receive the same benefit. The bottom line: All males and females ages 9–26 should get the HPV vaccine. It is most effective when given at ages 11–12.

HPV vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. Some adults ages 27 through 45 years who were not already vaccinated might choose to get HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and possible benefits of vaccination for them.

Martina Navratilova's diagnosis shines light on HPV-related cancers. Here's what to know. HPV is the most common STI. While most people clear the infection easily, it turns into cancer in others.

Michael Douglas Douglas said the cause was human papillomavirus (HPV) he caught from giving oral sex. HPV, a very common sexually transmitted virus, is the No. 1 cause of throat cancers and can lead to tongue cancers. After radiation and chemotherapy, Douglas is now healthy.

HPV vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. Some adults ages 27 through 45 years who were not already vaccinated might choose to get HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and possible benefits of vaccination for them.

HPV vaccination of people in this age range provides less benefit, for several reasons, including that more people in this age range have already been exposed to HPV. For adults ages 27 through 45 years, clinicians can consider discussing HPV vaccination with people who are most likely to benefit.

HPV vaccination of people in this age range provides less benefit, for several reasons, including that more people in this age range have already been exposed to HPV. For adults ages 27 through 45 years, clinicians can consider discussing HPV vaccination with people who are most likely to benefit.

HPV vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. Some adults ages 27 through 45 years who were not already vaccinated might choose to get HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and possible benefits of vaccination for them.

"Having HPV is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. 8 in 10 people will have HPV in their lifetime. In most people the immune system will get rid of the virus without it causing any problems." If you have questions or concerns about your HPV diagnosis, speak with a trusted healthcare professional.

HPV prevalence The global prevalence of HPV infection in women with normal cytology is around 11-12%, with the highest prevalences in sub-Saharan Africa (24%), Eastern Europe (21%) and Latin America (16%).