HPV is common and usually causes no symptoms. Most infections clear without treatment, but some HPV types can persist and eventually lead to precancerous changes or cancer. Vaccination lowers the risk of new infections caused by high-risk HPV types.
Georgia has a state-funded HPV vaccination program for children and adults. Eligibility and the number of doses depend on age. The details below follow information published by Georgia’s National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC).
Who can receive free HPV vaccination
The state covers vaccination in full for:
girls and women aged 10–45 inclusive;
boys and men aged 10–26 inclusive.
Children aged 10, 11 and 12 receive the vaccine under the National Immunization Schedule at the medical facility where they are registered. The visit, medical consultation and vaccine are state-funded.
Women aged 13–45 and men aged 13–26 may contact any registered HPV vaccination provider. According to the NCDC, the visit, consultation and vaccination are free for these groups.
If you are close to the upper age limit, ask the provider in advance how the course can be completed. The age at the first dose affects the number of doses, and a full course takes several months.
The schedule depends on age
Before age 15
Children who start before age 15 need two doses, with a minimum interval of 6 months.
From age 15
People starting at age 15 or older receive three doses:
the first dose on the chosen date;
the second dose 2 months later;
the third dose 6 months after the first.
The minimum interval is 1 month between the first and second doses and at least 3 months between the second and third. The NCDC gives these intervals for women aged 15–45 and men aged 15–26.
If you miss an appointment, do not set a new date yourself. Contact the medical facility so a clinician can review the doses already given and adjust the schedule.
What the vaccine protects against
HPV is a group of about 200 known viruses. Some types are linked to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, penis and oropharynx. The vaccine helps prevent new infections caused by the HPV types it contains.
The vaccine contains neither live virus nor viral DNA, so it cannot cause HPV infection. It does not treat an existing infection or reverse changes that developed before vaccination.
Vaccination works best before possible exposure to HPV. Adults within the program’s age limits may still benefit because exposure to one HPV type does not mean exposure to every type covered by the vaccine.
What is known about safety
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers the accumulated safety evidence for HPV vaccines reassuring. Pain at the injection site and muscle pain were among the most commonly reported reactions. An allergic reaction, dizziness or fainting may occur after an injection.
Adolescents are advised to remain under a healthcare worker’s observation for about 15 minutes after vaccination. This helps prevent injury if dizziness or fainting occurs.
Before vaccination, tell the clinician about any severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or vaccine component, your current health and any HPV vaccine doses already received. Individual contraindications and whether to postpone vaccination are assessed during the consultation.
Vaccination does not replace screening
HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening have different roles. Vaccination prevents new infections from the HPV types covered by the vaccine, while screening can find cervical cell changes before symptoms appear.
Women still need screening under the current program and their doctor’s advice after completing the vaccine course.
How to prepare for a visit in 2026
On 15 January 2026, the NCDC published an official list of registered facilities providing HPV vaccination. Inclusion confirms that a provider is registered, but vaccine stock and appointment times may change.
Contact the facility before visiting and ask:
whether the vaccine is in stock;
whether an appointment is required;
which documents to bring;
where the dose will be recorded;
when the next visit will be scheduled.
If you have already started the course, bring a record showing the dates and vaccine name.
Official sources
Next step
Start with the official NCDC provider list and call the facility. If you want medical advice before vaccination, BigMed lists pediatricians for children and general practitioners or family doctors for adults. Women can also consult a gynecologist. A profile confirms the doctor’s specialty; it does not confirm that the doctor or clinic provides HPV vaccination.
FAQ
Who can receive free HPV vaccination in Georgia?
How many doses does a child under 15 need?
What schedule applies from age 15?
Does the vaccine treat an existing HPV infection?
Is cervical screening still needed after vaccination?
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