Sexual Health STDs HPV How to Get the HPV Vaccine Your options if you're uninsured or your plan doesn't cover it By Lisa Fayed Lisa Fayed Lisa Fayed is a freelance medical writer, cancer educator and patient advocate. Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 15, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Anju Goel, MD, MPH Medically reviewed by Anju Goel, MD, MPH LinkedIn Anju Goel, MD, MPH, is a board-certified physician who specializes in public health, communicable disease, diabetes, and health policy. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is a series of two or three shots given over a six- to 12-month period to help prevent HPV infection. Of the three HPV vaccines that have been licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, just one—Gardasil-9—is available and used today. Getty Images/BSIP/UIG Although many health insurance companies will pay for the vaccine, coverage can vary among providers and policies based on a variety of factors. If you find yourself without coverage for the HPV vaccine, there are a few options you can explore to get it at low or even no cost. This article reviews what they are and why HPV vaccination is so important. How Much Does Gardasil Cost? Why HPV Vaccination Is Needed Most sexually active people will encounter HPV in their lifetime—usually by the time they reach their 30s. While many cases clear on their own without incident, some do not. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 36,000 new cancer diagnoses each year can be attributed to prior HPV infection. These include: Cervical cancer Anal cancer Penile cancer Oropharyngeal cancer If current HPV vaccination recommendations were followed, the CDC estimates that around 33,000 of these cancers could be avoided. Approximately 150 different strains of HPV have been identified—with those linked to cancers considered "high-risk" strains and those linked to genital warts being classified as "low-risk." The vaccine works by targeting both high- and low-risk strains. It is recommended for people of certain age groups, regardless of their sex. HPV Vaccination Recommendations The CDC recommends HPV vaccination for girls and boys ages 11 to 12. The vaccine can also be given to anyone 26 and under who has not been adequately vaccinated and children as young as 9, if needed. Some people up to age 45 are also eligible. Benefits and Risk of HPV Vaccination Access to HPV Vaccination You can get the HPV vaccine in a pediatrician, family doctor, or gynecologist's office. However, if you do not have such access and/or are uninsured or underinsured, there are programs run by both the U.S. government and private companies to help you afford vaccines for preventable diseases. Health Disparities and HPV-Related Cancers Government Access Programs The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides free access to vaccines recommended for children by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)—including HPV vaccines. Children age 19 or younger are eligible for vaccines through VFC if they meet the following requirements: Medicaid-eligible Uninsured or underinsured American Indian or Alaska Native For those 21 and older, Medicaid vaccine coverage is an optional benefit and decided on a state-by-state basis. Today, 39 states and the District of Columbia cover HPV vaccination for this older age group. With respect to private insurance, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires most insurers cover vaccinations recommended by ACIP, of which the HPV vaccine is one. Most comprehensive health insurers will cover the HPV vaccines without cost-sharing, but short-term health insurance policies may not. Your health provider can help you work through options. Why Don't More American Teens Get the HPV Vaccine? Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program The pharmaceutical company that manufactures Gardasil-9 offers a vaccine assistance program to cover the cost of the vaccine itself. To qualify, you must: Be between 19 and 45 years of age Have no health insurance Live in the United States (although you don't have to be a U.S. citizen) Have an annual income at or less than 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Merck Vaccine Program Income Eligibility Requirements In 2021, you could qualify for the Merck assistance program if you made $51,520 or less as an individual, $69,680 or less as a couple, or $106,000 or less as a family of four. Merck will also take special circumstances into account and makes exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Do not let the income qualifications deter you from applying. You may still be approved based on your specific situation. For more information, call Merck Patient Assistance Program at (800) 727-5400 or visit the company's website. Other Options If you do not qualify for assistance elsewhere, there are alternative avenues to explore, including: Planned Parenthood: Federal, state, and private grants have allowed many Planned Parenthood offices around the United States to offer the HPV vaccine for free or at a reduced cost. Call your local Planned Parenthood for more information. College or universities: Many such institutions provide the HPV vaccine to students in their medical clinics. Check your campus clinic for more information. Local health department: Your local health department may offer free or reduced-cost HPV vaccinations, depending on any grants and funds your state receives from governmental, non-governmental, and private organizations. You can find contact information for your local office on the National Association of County and City Health Officials' website. A Word From Verywell Even though the HPV vaccine itself may be fully covered by insurance or financial assistance programs, be aware that you may still have to pay for the office visit. Ask about any associated costs before getting the vaccine. In some cases, the fee may be waived. HPV Doctor Discussion Guide Get our printable guide for your next doctor's appointment to help you ask the right questions. Download PDF Email the Guide Send to yourself or a loved one. Sign Up This Doctor Discussion Guide has been sent to {{form.email}}. There was an error. Please try again. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 7 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Cancer Institute. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Human papillomavirus (HPV): Reasons to get vaccinated. National Cancer Institute. HPV and cancer. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV vaccine recommendations. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About VFC. Kaiser Family Foundation. The HPV vaccine: Access and use in the US. Merck Helps. Gardasil 9.