HPV Vaccine After 30: Too Late or Still a Power Move

If you’re in Lagos and you care about your health, you’ve probably heard of HPV. Maybe you’ve also heard this rumor: “If you’re over 30, the HPV vaccine won’t help you.”
Here’s the friendly truth: for many adults, it’s not too late. Getting the HPV vaccine after 30 can still be a smart, protective move especially if your life could include new partners in the future.

Let’s break this down in a simple way.

What is HPV (and why should you care)?

HPV stands for human papillomavirus. It’s a very common virus. Most people, men and women will come across HPV at some point in their lives, often without even knowing it.

There are many types of HPV:

• Some types can cause genital warts.
• Some “high-risk” types can cause cancer over time.

HPV can affect both men and women

HPV isn’t just a “women’s issue.” It can raise cancer risk in anyone. Over time, certain HPV types can lead to cancers like:

• Cervical cancer (in women)
• Throat cancer (in men and women)
• Anal cancer (in men and women)
• Penile cancer (in men)
• Vulvar/vaginal cancers (in women)

The hard part is this: HPV often has no symptoms at first. So someone can carry and pass it without knowing.

So what does the vaccine do?

The HPV vaccine is a prevention tool. Think of it like a strong umbrella:

• It helps protect you from getting new HPV infections from certain high-risk types.
• It does not treat an HPV infection you already have.

That’s why people say it’s best to get it younger. But “best earlier” doesn’t mean “useless later.” Not at all.

HPV Vaccine After 30 — Why It Can Still Be a Power Move

So, is the HPV vaccine after 30 a waste? Nope. For many people, it can still be a smart, protective choice.

Here’s the simplest way to think about it:

The vaccine protects you from future HPV types you haven’t met yet

The HPV vaccine is like a security guard. It helps stop new HPV infections from certain HPV types that are known to cause cancer and genital warts. But it doesn’t erase HPV you already have.

That means the vaccine can still help if:

• You haven’t been exposed to all the HPV types covered by the vaccine, and
• You might have a chance of new exposure later in life.

And let’s be real—life can change. People move, date, marry, divorce, remarry, or have new partners. So even if you’re over 30, you may still want that extra layer of protection.

What do medical experts say about adults 27–45?

Health experts don’t say, “Everyone over 30 must get it.” Instead, they recommend something called shared clinical decision-making for adults ages 27 to 45.

That’s a fancy way of saying:

“Talk with a trusted healthcare professional. Look at your personal risk and your health goals. Then decide together.”

This guidance exists because:

• The vaccine works best before someone has any HPV exposure (usually earlier in life).
• But some adults can still benefit, especially if they may have new partners in the future.

So it’s not a “too late” situation. It’s more like:
“Let’s make a smart choice based on your life.”

Who is most likely to benefit after 30?

You may be more likely to benefit if any of these feel true:

• You’re not in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship
• You’re newly single, dating, or your relationship status could change
• You didn’t get the HPV vaccine when you were younger
• You want to lower your risk of HPV-related cancers and warts as part of your long-term health plan

Safety, Side Effects, and What to Expect

If you’re thinking, “Okay, but is this vaccine safe for adults?”—that’s a fair question.

Is the HPV vaccine safe after 30?

Yes. The HPV vaccines have been studied for years, and safety tracking has included millions of doses worldwide. For adults ages 27–45, studies show the vaccine is generally well tolerated, and the immune system still responds well. (I’ll list the journal references at the end of the full post.)

In plain words: most people do fine.

Common side effects (usually mild)

Most side effects are short-lived and go away on their own. You might notice:

• Sore arm where the shot went in (most common)
• Redness or swelling at the injection spot
• Mild fever
• Headache
• Tired feeling
• Body aches

These are signs your immune system is practicing how to protect you.

Less common reactions

Less common issues can happen with any vaccine, like:

• Feeling dizzy or faint (often from needles, not the vaccine itself)
• Allergic reaction (rare)

If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to a vaccine ingredient before, that’s something to bring up with a healthcare professional before you get the shot.

What about fertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding?

• The HPV vaccine does not harm fertility (it doesn’t “reduce chances of having children”).
• If someone is pregnant, vaccination is usually delayed until after pregnancy (not because it’s known to be harmful, but because it’s a standard safety approach).
• Breastfeeding is typically not a problem, but a clinician can guide you based on your situation.

What to do on shot day

A few easy tips:

• Eat something before you go
• Drink water
• Relax your arm after the shot (gentle movement can help)
• If your arm is sore, a cool pack can feel nice

Doses and Schedule — What Adults Need to Know

Alright, let’s talk about how the HPV vaccine is given.

How many doses do adults need?

For adults who start the HPV vaccine at age 21 or older—including those in their 30s and 40s the usual schedule is:

Two doses.

Here’s the simple timeline:

• Dose 1 – Day you start
• Dose 2 – About 6 months after the first dose

That’s it. Two steps. Done.

Why two doses for adults?

Younger teens sometimes need only two doses because their immune systems respond very strongly at that age. Adults need three doses to build the best and longest-lasting protection.

Think of it like building a strong wall:

• First dose: lays the foundation
• Second dose: locks in long-term protection

What if you miss a dose?

Life happens. Lagos traffic alone can delay anybody!

If you miss a dose:

• You do not need to start over.
• You just continue from where you stopped.

A healthcare provider can guide you on the correct timing.

Does the protection last?

Studies show that the HPV vaccine provides long-lasting protection. Research has followed vaccinated people for many years and found strong immune responses over time.

Scientists continue to monitor protection, and so far, the results are reassuring.

HPV Vaccine + Screening — Why You Still Need Check-Ups

Here’s a super important point (and many people miss it):

Even if you get the HPV vaccine, screening still matters

The HPV vaccine helps protect you from new infections from certain HPV types. But it does not:

• Treat HPV you already have
• Replace regular health check-ups

So, vaccination and screening work like a team.

For women: cervical cancer screening is still key

If you have a cervix, screening can find changes early—before they turn into cancer. In simple terms:

• Vaccines help prevent risk
• Screening helps catch problems early

Your healthcare professional can guide you on what tests you need and how often (this can depend on age and past results).

For men and women: don’t ignore symptoms

Most HPV infections cause no symptoms, but it’s still smart to see a clinician if you notice:

• Unusual growths or bumps
• Bleeding you can’t explain
• Ongoing pain, sores, or throat symptoms that don’t improve

No panic—just don’t “manage it at home” for months. Early checks are a power move too.

The “power move” health plan (simple version)

If you’re 30+ and thinking about the HPV vaccine, a strong plan often looks like this:

1. Talk to a clinician (shared decision-making)
2. Get vaccinated if it fits your life and risk
3. Stay up to date with screening (especially cervical screening where relevant)
4. Keep safer sex habits (condoms reduce risk, but don’t block all HPV skin contact)

Who Should Seriously Consider the HPV Vaccine After 30?

Let’s make this super practical. If you’re 30+ in Lagos, the HPV vaccine may still be a strong health move—especially if your future could include new exposure to HPV.

A quick checklist: You may benefit more if…

You should seriously consider the vaccine if any of these fit you:

• You didn’t get the HPV vaccine when you were younger
• You’re single, dating, or might have a new partner in the future
• You’re in a relationship but it’s not fully monogamous (on either side)
• You recently ended a relationship (breakups happen—no shame)
• You want to reduce your risk of HPV-related cancers and genital warts
• You’re living with a condition that affects your immune system (your clinician can guide you)

This fits with the CDC’s advice that adults ages 27–45 may choose vaccination based on shared clinical decision-making—meaning you and your healthcare professional decide together based on your life and health goals.

Friendly real talk

Getting the HPV vaccine after 30 isn’t about fear. It’s about planning—like wearing a seatbelt even if you’re a careful driver. If your life could include new risk later, the vaccine can be a smart layer of protection.

What to Do Next

Book a visit with Inocul8 Clinic for your HPV prevention here

References

1. Meites E, et al. Human Papillomavirus Vaccination for Adults: Updated Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2019.
2. CDC. Shared Clinical Decision-Making: HPV Vaccination for Adults 27–45 Years.
3. Castellsagué X, et al. Immunogenicity and safety of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine in women aged 27–45 years. Vaccine.
4. FDA/CDC safety monitoring data on HPV vaccines.
5. National Cancer Institute. HPV and Cancer Fact Sheet.

Protect your little one with Hepatitis Screening During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with anticipation, dreams, and heavy responsibility. While many women focus on eating right, taking vitamins, and attending routine checkups, one important health check often goes unnoticed—hepatitis screening.

My Story

In 2021, I was posted to a general hospital in a South-South state of Nigeria for my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Honestly, I wasn’t thrilled. I had hoped for a big city experience—Abuja, Lagos, or even Port Harcourt. I tried every connection I had, but nothing worked. Eventually, I packed my bags and made the long, bumpy journey to my new station. As I watched the endless stretch of bushes pass by, I cried. This wasn’t the NYSC I imagined, but everything changed when I arrived at the hospital. 

Next to the main hospital stood a beautifully structured building with the sign: “Maternity Referral Centre.” That building gave me hope—it stood as a testament to something good happening in that community. I soon learned from one of the nurses that the state government had built the Centre to reduce the high maternal death rate in the area. Most women in the community gave birth at home or with traditional birth attendants, without proper medical supervision. Sadly, complications were common. Many of these complications led to death.

Over time, some of these mothers and their babies would come to the hospital with unusual symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). Most tests revealed that both mother and child were hepatitis positive. Shocked, many mothers would ask, “How could my baby have hepatitis?”

That question sparked a wave of awareness in the community about the importance of antenatal care, including hepatitis screening. Gradually, more women started showing up for proper checkups, and the maternity Centre became a beacon of hope and life. That experience solidified my passion for maternal health. Finally, I was starting to find purpose in this place.

Here is what every woman should know about hepatitis during pregnancy

Hepatitis

A viral infection that affects the liver and results in inflammation. 

There are 5 types of hepatitis: A, B, C, D and E.  Hepatitis B and C are the deadliest forms of Hepatitis, leading to chronic diseases which, if not properly managed, can lead to liver failure or liver cancers. 

How is Hepatitis B transmitted?

Hepatitis can be transmitted from person to person by direct blood contact, unprotected sex, sharing hygienic equipment like a razor, toothbrush or earrings, sharing needles, tattoos, piercings, barbers or during circumcisions and from a mother to her child during birth.

Hepatitis in pregnancy

Viral hepatitis in pregnancy increases the risk for pregnancy‐related complications, as well as the risks associated with acute and chronic liver disease for both the mother and the infant as a result of mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT). When a woman is pregnant, undetected hepatitis increases the risk of transmitting the virus to her baby, either during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding (in the case of Hepatitis B). Hepatitis in pregnancy can result in preterm birth (premature baby), abruption of the placenta, low birth weight, fetal distress, still birth, acute liver failure, and in the mother, hypertension in pregnancy can be observed as reported also in the community where I served. 

Signs and symptoms to look out for

At the early stage of hepatitis infection, there are usually no signs. Absolutely nothing tells you something is wrong there, but as the virus continues to infiltrate the liver, you begin to notice jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and extreme fatigue. While these symptoms can also indicate other disease states, screening for hepatitis is the most effective way for you to know you have hepatitis.

Preventing Hepatitis

• Get screened to know your status as early detection saves.
• Vaccination provides over 95% protection against Hepatitis A and B.
• Proper hygiene like, washing hands after using the toilet and eating properly washed and cooked food can help prevent infection with Hepatitis A and E.
• Practice safe sex; using a condom.
• Avoid sharing personal items and sharp objects.

Stay tuned for part 2. There you will see practical steps to keeping your baby safe.

 

 

This week, we take a deep dive into the most asked-about diseases from last week’s edition – MMR.

 

The MMR disease, also known as Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, is a combined term encompassing three distinct viral infections that are highly contagious, each with its own symptoms and severe complications that can lead to death.

 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) statistics report, between 2000 and 2021, measles vaccination played a pivotal role in preserving the lives of 56 million individuals. However, despite the existence of a safe and affordable vaccine, 2021 witnessed a distressing figure of approximately 128,000 measles-related fatalities worldwide, predominantly among children under the age of 5 who were either unvaccinated or insufficiently vaccinated. In 2022, only 83% of children worldwide received their initial measles vaccine dose by the age of one, marking the lowest vaccination rate since 2008.

 

In The News: Is MMR trying to make a comeback?

In London, parents are being issued a 21-day isolation notice if their children’s measles vaccinations are not up-to-date. The UK Health Security Agency has raised concerns about the potential for tens of thousands of cases, and is urging more people to get the MMR vaccine to prevent a major outbreak.

 

You need not worry because the MMR vaccination can provide protection for both you and your child.

 

“Measles is an extremely contagious disease caused by a virus that can result in complications such as brain injury, pneumonia, and even death. Symptoms include fever, rash, runny nose, cough, and red or watery eyes. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can remain active in the air for up to 2 hours, making it highly infectious.

 

Mumps, also caused by a virus, leads to symptoms like fever, headache, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Swollen cheeks or a swollen jawline, known as parotitis, is a characteristic sign of the disease. It also spreads through respiratory droplets from an infected person and can result in complications such as testicular inflammation in males and ovarian inflammation in females, which, although rare, can be serious.

 

Rubella, often called German measles causes symptoms like fever, a sore throat, rash, and itchy eyes. It primarily affects children, and they usually recover quickly with no lasting effects. However, it poses a significant risk to pregnant women if they become infected, potentially causing birth defects like deafness, blindness, heart defects, or intellectual disabilities.

 

The most effective way to prevent these diseases is through vaccination. The MMR vaccine is both safe and efficient in preventing Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, along with their associated complications. This vaccine has substantially lowered the occurrence of these diseases, underscoring the crucial role of immunization in safeguarding public health.”

 

Get vaccinated against MMR disease today!

 

CLICK HERE TO BOOK NOW

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A new clinical trial is being conducted in Africa to test two HIV vaccine candidates called PrEPVacc. The study which aimed at testing the efficacy of the two vaccines, in addition to, offering HIV prophylactic medications.

 

The trial is being done in Tanzania, Uganda, and South Africa, enrolling 1,513 participants who are between the ages of 18 to 40 years.

 

Its important to note that the three countries where this study is being conducted have a high prevalence of HIV, and they rank among top 15 countries in the world with high HIV burden, based on a 2022 report. 

 

UNAIDS estimates 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illness globally in 2022, while 39 million people are living with the virus, including 1.3 million people newly infected last year.

 

”This is an evolution of a previous vaccine RV144, not a revolution. These are both regimens which have never gone into efficacy study before. The best we feel, at the moment, that medical science can provide,” said the study Lead applicant and coordinator, Jonathan Weber, the director of the Imperial College Academic Health Science, London, the United Kingdom.

 

For more information on the study visit here.