I Got The First Hpv9 Vaccine 3 Years Ago. Can
No need to repeat the first dose, just continue the schedule from the second dose on
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service.
According to recommendations the HPV vaccination schedule, if interrupted for any period of time, can be restarted without need to repeat doses, so in your case you will need to just continue with the second dose.
The total number of doses are age related.
If you are younger than 15 years of age you need a total of 2 doses and you can have the second dose now (you do not need to repeat the first dose) without need for other doses.
If you are over 15 years of age (up to 26 years of age) you will need a total of 3 doses (with the third dose after 4 months from the second dose). So you would need to get the second dose now (no need to repeat the first dose) and then in 4 months from this dose have the third dose.
If you are over 26 years of age and you are sexually active, the chances that the vaccine will help preventing HPV infection is reduced so the recommendations do not favor having the vaccine in this case (it will not hurt you but it does not guaranty effectiveness).
I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician