HPV Vaccination — What Dr. Andrei Recommends and Why
HPV — human papillomavirus — is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States and the direct cause of virtually all cervical cancers, most vaginal and vulvar cancers, and a significant proportion of oropharyngeal cancers. The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) is one of the most effective cancer-prevention tools in modern medicine — preventing infection with the nine HPV strains responsible for the majority of HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
Dr. Andrei counsels patients on HPV vaccination at every relevant visit — adolescent first visits, young adult well-woman exams, and follow-up appointments after abnormal Pap or HPV results. The vaccine is most effective when given before first exposure to HPV, which is why the primary vaccination series is recommended at ages 11–12. Catch-up vaccination is recommended through age 26 for anyone who has not completed the series.
Lapeer Women’s Health does not administer vaccines directly — vaccination is coordinated through your primary care provider or pediatrician, or through a pharmacy for eligible ages. Dr. Andrei’s role is counseling, confirming vaccine status, and providing the clinical rationale for patients and parents who have questions about the vaccine.
Vaccination Recommendations by Age Group
Current ACOG and CDC recommendations cover vaccination across a wide age range. Dr. Andrei discusses the recommendation that applies to each patient at their visit.
Ages 11–12 (Primary Series)
The recommended age for the primary HPV vaccination series — ideally before first sexual activity and before any HPV exposure. Two doses are given 6–12 months apart when started before age 15.
Ages 13–26 (Catch-Up)
Anyone who has not completed the full vaccine series by age 13 should receive catch-up vaccination through age 26. Three doses are required when the series is started at age 15 or older.
Ages 27–45 (Shared Decision-Making)
Adults 27–45 who have not been vaccinated may benefit from HPV vaccination depending on their risk factors and history. This is a shared clinical decision discussed at your appointment.
After an abnormal Pap or positive HPV result
Women who have already had an abnormal Pap or tested positive for HPV still benefit from vaccination — it protects against strains not yet contracted and reduces the risk of new infection.
Patients with no prior vaccine history
Any patient who has never received the HPV vaccine and is within the eligible age range — regardless of prior sexual history — is a candidate for vaccination counseling and referral.
Parents with questions about vaccinating their child
Dr. Andrei addresses parental questions about vaccine safety, timing, and the clinical rationale for recommending vaccination before sexual debut.
The Clinical Case for Early Vaccination
The HPV vaccine is most protective when given before any exposure to HPV — which is why the primary series targets ages 11–12. This is not a statement about sexual activity at that age. It is a recognition that the immune response to the vaccine is also stronger in early adolescence than in adulthood, and that protection should be established before it is needed.
- HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact — not only intercourse
- Most HPV infections are cleared by the immune system without symptoms
- High-risk strains (HPV 16, 18) cause 70% of cervical cancers
- Gardasil 9 protects against 9 strains including HPV 16 and 18
- Vaccination does not treat existing HPV infection — it prevents new infection
- Pap and HPV screening continues after vaccination — it does not replace it
“I recommend the HPV vaccine for every eligible patient — and I explain why every time. Preventing cervical cancer through vaccination is one of the most straightforward interventions in all of gynecology. The evidence for it is overwhelming.”
- Cervical cancer develops slowly — precancerous changes appear years before cancer
- Annual Pap and HPV screening remains essential even for vaccinated patients
- Vaccination reduces but does not eliminate the need for ongoing cervical surveillance
- Women with prior abnormal Pap results who get vaccinated still benefit from the protection against uncontracted strains
What Patients and Parents Ask
The HPV Vaccine.
Best Given Before Exposure.
Gardasil 9 is administered in-office at both the Lapeer and Rochester Hills locations. Routine vaccination ages 11–12, catch-up through age 26, and selected patients 27–45. No separate pharmacy or pediatrician visit required.
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment options vary significantly. Reading this content does not establish a physician-patient relationship with Dr. Ramona D. Andrei or Lapeer Women’s Health. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice specific to your situation. Content reviewed by Dr. Ramona D. Andrei, MD PhD FACOG.
Gynecologic care for women of every age
Lapeer Women’s Health — Rochester Hills
2710 S Rochester Rd, Suite 2
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Serving patients in Lapeer, Rochester Hills, and surrounding communities throughout Southeast Michigan.