Some people think it might be better to wait until young people are ready to have intimate sexual relationships before they get the HPV vaccine. This may be several years after the HPV vaccine is offered.
But the HPV vaccine works best when it’s given before any sexual contact happens so they are protected for the future.
The body also has a stronger immune response when the vaccine in given at a younger age, so the vaccine gives better protection.
The HPV vaccine is the same as any other vaccine. It is to protect someone not just in the immediate future, but over the course of their life.
If someone has the vaccine aged 12 or 13 they are protected for when they are older and start thinking about having sexual relationships.