Is it too late to get the 9-valent vaccine at age 24?
Generally, the 9-valent HPV vaccine is primarily recommended for females aged 9 to 45 to prevent various diseases caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), including cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, anal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and genital warts. If an individual has never received any dose of the 9-valent HPV vaccine before, vaccination at age 24 is still within the recommended age range, meaning it is still timely to receive the 9-valent HPV vaccine at this age. However, if someone has already completed the full series of either the bivalent or quadrivalent HPV vaccine before age 24, additional vaccination with the 9-valent HPV vaccine may not be necessary. Details are as follows:
If an individual has never received any 9-valent HPV vaccine, or has only completed the bivalent or quadrivalent HPV vaccine series, then receiving the 9-valent HPV vaccine at age 24 is still appropriate and effective. Since 24 years old remains within the recommended vaccination age range, administration of the 9-valent HPV vaccine can provide additional protection against a broader range of HPV infections.
However, if an individual has already completed the full course of the bivalent or quadrivalent HPV vaccine before age 24 and has not experienced adverse reactions or inadequate immune response, further vaccination with the 9-valent HPV vaccine may not be necessary, as the incremental benefit in protection would be limited. Additionally, the 9-valent HPV vaccine is not recommended for individuals who are already infected with HPV, have active upper respiratory infections, fever, acute symptoms of other illnesses, or who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant within the next six months.
Maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, and engaging in regular physical exercise to enhance immune function are also important in daily life.