For adults who missed the HPV vaccination series in school, what is the current recommendation?

The recommendation that everyone up to age 27 should receive the HPV vaccination is based on the understanding of human papillomavirus (HPV) as a significant cause of several cancers, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers, among others. HPV vaccination is a preventative measure designed to protect individuals from these types of cancers caused by certain strains of the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and various health organizations advocate for vaccination for both males and females, ideally starting at ages 11 or 12, but also recommend catch-up vaccinations for those who missed the opportunity during the adolescent years. Vaccination up to age 26 has been a standard recommendation in the past, but more recent guidelines have extended the age for receiving the vaccine to 27, thereby allowing young adults who were previously unvaccinated the opportunity to benefit from the vaccine's protective effects against HPV-related diseases.

This extended age recommendation is important because it acknowledges that many individuals may not have been able to receive the vaccination series during their early teens due to various factors, such as health care access or personal choice. The goal of expanding vaccination eligibility helps maximize population immunity and reduce the incidence of HPV-related illnesses.