You've probably heard of the HPV vaccine that helps protect against cervical cancer.
HPV is a highly contagious virus, transmitted mainly through sexual contact, and nearly 85% of people will be infected with it at some point in their lives.
That's why vaccinating children before they become sexually active offers such strong protective benefits.
But if you recognize yourself in one of these situations, you're probably wondering whether it's still worth getting vaccinated now:
- In your 20s, and missed the window when the vaccine wasn't yet common — wondering, "Is it too late for me?"
- In your 30s or 40s, preparing for marriage or pregnancy, and want to take care of cervical cancer screening and vaccination together.
- In your 40s, already have children, but thinking ahead about long-term health.
The short answer: through age 45, vaccination is still worth considering, since it protects against new infections going forward.
Vaccination isn't just a one-time decision — it's also the first step in managing your long-term healthspan as part of a longevity-minded approach to care.
HPV Infection and Cancer
Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and clear on their own within one to two years. But in about 3–10% of cases, the infection persists — and persistent infection is what can eventually lead to cancer.
HPV is linked to roughly 690,000 new cancer cases in women and men worldwide every year. Cervical cancer is the most well-known of these, but HPV is also associated with several other cancers.
- Conditions: precancerous lesions, genital warts, and more
- Related cancers: cervical, oropharyngeal, vulvar, and anal cancer
Because HPV vaccination can prevent more than 90% of HPV-related cancers, it's now part of national immunization programs in 147 countries worldwide, including 37 OECD member states.
800 Deaths a Year in Korea: The Case for Cervical Cancer Prevention
Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus.
In Korea alone, around 3,000 women are newly diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and roughly 800 women die from the disease.
Since persistent HPV infection is the leading cause of cervical cancer, vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent it.
It's also the only HPV-related cancer that can be caught early through routine screening — which is why Korea recommends cervical cancer screening for women every two years.
Why This Matters for Men, Too
HPV can infect both men and women, and in men it's linked to several types of cancer as well. That's part of why Korea also subsidizes vaccination costs for 12-year-old boys.
The 9–14 age range produces the strongest immune response — at this age, just two doses can offer better protection than three doses given later in adulthood.
And even for those who are already sexually active, vaccination can still build defenses against the high-risk virus types not yet encountered.
HPV Vaccine: Wondering If It's Right for You?
HPV vaccines are built on virus-like particles, which trigger a strong immune response and immune memory — making them notably more effective than many other vaccines.
Vaccination works best before any sexual activity, during adolescence. But it's still recommended for adults up to age 45.
HPV exists in many different types. Types 16 and 18 are considered high-risk, responsible for most HPV-related cancers, which is why they're a primary target of the vaccine. Depending on how many viral types they cover, vaccines come in 4-valent and 9-valent versions(Gardasil).
It's Safe: Over 500 Million Doses Given Worldwide
HPV vaccines are widely regarded as very safe. More than 500 million doses have been administered worldwide.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the vaccine for all adolescents aged 11–12, and more than 15 years of follow-up research have built strong evidence for both its safety and its long-term protective effect.
Four years after Australia introduced the vaccine, HPV testing among young women showed infections from vaccine-covered strains had dropped from 29% to just 7%.
One Dose Still Works
Longer-term studies are still needed, but several have already shown protective effects even from a single dose.
One study found that antibody levels after a single dose were lower than after two or three doses — but remained stable for up to 11 years post-vaccination.
If your vaccination history is incomplete or you simply don't remember it, there's no need to restart the series from scratch.
Still Worth It, Even If You've Already Been Sexually Active
The vaccine won't treat an infection or condition you already have, but it can still prevent new HPV infections you haven't yet encountered.
Vaccination is recommended for everyone through age 26. For ages 27–45, it's not universally recommended, but it's commonly considered together with a doctor — based on individual risk and history.
Even if you've already been exposed to HPV, the odds of having encountered all 9 strains covered by Gardasil 9 vaccine are low, which is why it can still be worth considering.
Getting Vaccine in Korea: What to Expect
In Korea, a single dose of Gardasil 9 typically costs in the low ₩200,000s, with the full 3-dose series running ₩600,000–700,000.
- Ages 9–14: 2 doses (0, 6-12 months) or 3 doses (0, 2, 6 months)
- Ages15–45: 3 doses (0, 2, 6 months)
Preventing cervical cancer is ultimately part of taking the long view on your health. A single vaccination today can be an investment in your healthspan for years to come.
If you're already planning a visit to Korea — or simply exploring your options — our concierge team can help arrange HPV screening and vaccination consultations at a trusted women's clinic.
- Book a women's health screening through TPS — Wooahan Women's Clinic, Gangnam
| Edited by Sia Shin, The Pylon Square
