I got my first HPV shot. Am I protected or do I need to get all of them to prevent the STD? – Marina* The HPV vaccine works best when people receive all their shots on schedule: For kids and teens ages 9–14, the HPV vaccine is given in 2 shots over a 6- to 12-month period. For teens and young adults (ages 15–26 in girls and guys both), it's given in 3 shots over a 6-month period. Your best bet is to keep a calendar or set a phone reminder so you remember when shots are due. After your first shot, ask the doctor or nurse when you'll need to get the next shots. Schedule visits right then, if you can, or write down the dates so you remember to set up something later. But what if you've missed a shot? If you're under age 26, you can still catch up. Just ask your doctor about the best way to do that. *Names have been changed to protect user privacy. Back to Articles Related Articles Genital Warts (HPV) Genital warts usually are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which also can lead to cervical cancer and other types of cancer. The HPV vaccine can prevent HPV infection. Read More HPV Vaccine The HPV vaccine can help protect against the virus that causes genital warts and may lead to some kinds of cancer. Find out more in this article for teens. Read More Do I Need a Pelvic Exam if I Had the HPV Vaccine? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Can You Still Get Genital Warts If You've Had All the HPV Shots? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More 5 Tips for Surviving Shots If you're afraid of shots, you're not alone. Next time your doc asks you to roll up your sleeve, try these tips. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.