Key takeaways:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is proven to be effective and safe through many years of monitoring and studies conducted by the CDC and FDA. Gardasil 9 is currently the only HPV vaccine available in the U.S.
The most common HPV vaccine side effects are injection site reactions, such as pain, swelling, and redness. Headache, nausea, and dizziness are also possible.
Some people may be concerned about long-term side effects of the HPV vaccine. But evidence shows these to be extremely rare, or not related to the vaccine at all.
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Approximately 85% of people in the U.S. will get infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV) in their lifetime. It’s typically transmitted through skin-to-skin sexual contact. Most HPV infections will resolve on their own. But some can progress to genital warts and certain cancers, such as cervical, penile, and anal cancer.
The HPV vaccine, known as Gardasil 9, can help protect against HPV infection and its potential complications. Gardasil 9 is currently the only HPV vaccine available in the U.S. Benefits aside, you may want to know if the HPV vaccine is safe for you or your child. As with most vaccines, short-term side effects are common. You can usually manage them safely at home. But are there any long-term side effects?
HPV vaccine side effects at a glance
Most HPV vaccine side effects are mild and only last for a short time after receiving a dose. Common HPV vaccine side effects can include:
Injection site reactions, such as pain, redness, and swelling
Nausea
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Fever
While rare, some people may develop anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) after receiving the HPV vaccine. Fainting is also possible, but this can happen after nearly all vaccines, especially among adolescents.
Even though HPV vaccine side effects are short-lived, you may want to know how to find relief in the meantime. We provide useful tips for dealing with seven HPV vaccine side effects below.
1. Injection site reactions
The most common HPV vaccine side effects are injection site reactions that last a day or two after your dose. This includes pain, swelling, and redness where you receive the injection. The HPV vaccine is given as a 2-dose or 3-dose series. And the risk of injection site reactions tends to go up with each dose.
There are a few things you can do to manage injection site reactions after the HPV vaccine. You can try applying ice packs to help with redness and swelling. If it’s safe for you to take one, an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever may alleviate soreness. And if the area is itchy, OTC anti-itch creams may provide some relief.
Injection site reactions that start to spread or get worse after 24 hours may be a sign of a more serious problem. Contact your healthcare team right away if this happens.
Keep in mind that injection site reactions are different from an allergic reaction. You should call 911 or have someone take you to the nearest ER if you also develop symptoms such as difficulty breathing and swelling of the face or throat.
2. Headache
Some people report experiencing headaches after receiving the HPV vaccine. Similar to other common side effects, your headache should resolve within a few days.
But in the meantime, an OTC pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), may help make your headache more bearable. Check with your pharmacist for options that are safe for you to take. Let your healthcare team know if your headaches are severe, not going away, or getting worse.
Keep in mind: It’s a good idea to avoid giving aspirin (and any other salicylate product) to anyone under age 19 to manage a headache after the HPV vaccine. People in this age group, particularly children ages 4 to 12, have a higher risk of Reye’s syndrome. Reye’s syndrome is a life-threatening condition linked to aspirin use in children.
3. Nausea
Temporary nausea is possible after receiving an HPV vaccine dose. While this can be an unpleasant side effect, it should go away quickly. In the meantime, there are a few things you can try, such as eating smaller, more frequent meals if you’re feeling nauseated. And stick with bland, starchy foods that may be easier on your stomach.
Before reaching for an OTC product like Pepto-Bismol for nausea, check the label first. Most Pepto-Bismol products contain bismuth subsalicylate, which, like aspirin, is a salicylate. As mentioned above, it’s best to avoid giving salicylates to people under age 19. However, the children’s version of Pepto-Bismol contains a safer ingredient: calcium carbonate.
If your nausea is getting worse or isn’t going away, reach out to your healthcare team. They can also suggest nausea medications that are safe to take.
4. Dizziness
Some people might feel light-headed or dizzy right after receiving an HPV vaccine dose. Sometimes this results in fainting, especially among adolescents. If fainting occurs, most people recover within a few minutes.
To avoid falls from dizziness or fainting, it’s a good idea to receive the vaccine sitting down and remain seated for at least 15 minutes afterwards. If you start feeling dizzy, sit back down and wait until you feel more stable on your feet.
Let vaccination site staff know if the dizziness is severe, getting worse, or not going away. They can determine how best to handle the situation. It’s also a good idea to let them know if you have a history of fainting after receiving a vaccine, so they can prepare accordingly.
5. Fatigue
It’s normal to feel tired or fatigued for a short time after receiving an HPV vaccine dose. For some people, this can be a sign that your immune system is responding to the vaccine. If you’re feeling tired, try to take it easy until you feel your energy return to normal.
While rare, there have been some reports of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) after receiving an HPV vaccine dose. However, evidence hasn’t shown an increased risk of CFS with the HPV vaccine, or that the vaccine directly causes CFS. But if your fatigue is severe, getting worse, or not going away, let your healthcare team know.
6. Diarrhea
Some people experience temporary diarrhea after receiving the HPV vaccine. This should resolve on its own within a few days. But in the meantime, it may be a good idea to avoid or minimize foods that can worsen diarrhea, such as dairy products and spicy or greasy foods. Be sure to keep hydrated, especially if your diarrhea is persistent.
Let your healthcare team know if your diarrhea is severe, not going away, or getting worse. If needed, they may recommend an OTC anti-diarrheal, such as loperamide (Imodium A-D), for relief. Keep in mind that it’s best to avoid adult Pepto-Bismol products in children unless otherwise instructed by their prescriber.
7. Fever
Similar to fatigue, a fever can be a sign that your immune system is responding to the HPV vaccine. OTC fever reducers, such as acetaminophen, can help manage a fever until it goes away. It’s also a good idea to drink enough water to avoid dehydration. And as a reminder, it’s best to avoid aspirin for breaking a fever in children.
If you’ve had a fever for more than 3 days in a row, or if it’s high (104°F or higher), contact your prescriber right away.
Does the HPV vaccine have any long-term side effects?
The short answer: Current evidence hasn’t found that the HPV vaccine directly causes long-term side effects, such as reproductive problems. Researchers have also investigated side effects such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), Guillain-Barré syndrome, and CFS. But a causal link hasn’t been found with these, either.
We have over 15 years of safety data on HPV vaccines. They’ve been carefully monitored and researched over the years. And the CDC and FDA have concluded that certain long-term side effects are extremely rare or not related to the vaccine at all.
It’s important to discuss any safety concerns you have about the HPV vaccine with your (or your child’s) healthcare professional. Keep in mind that just because something happens after vaccination, doesn’t mean it was caused by the vaccine.
When to contact a healthcare professional
Most HPV vaccine side effects are mild and go away on their own within a few days. But you should contact a healthcare professional if any side effects become severe, don’t improve, or worry you.
Seek medical care right away if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as:
Trouble breathing
Swelling of the face or throat
Hives and itching
Dizziness
Fast heartbeat
Frequently asked questions
The HPV vaccine isn’t required nationwide in the U.S. But some states or schools may have their own vaccine requirements for attendance. Even when it’s not required, experts recommend the HPV vaccine because it helps protect against several types of cancer and genital warts.
The HPV vaccine is routinely recommended starting at ages 11 to 12, though you can receive it as early as age 9. Some adults may also benefit from vaccination later in life, depending on their age and risk factors.
There usually aren’t major activity restrictions after getting the HPV vaccine. But if your arm is sore or you feel tired, it may help to avoid intense physical activity for the rest of the day.
The HPV vaccine isn’t required nationwide in the U.S. But some states or schools may have their own vaccine requirements for attendance. Even when it’s not required, experts recommend the HPV vaccine because it helps protect against several types of cancer and genital warts.
The HPV vaccine is routinely recommended starting at ages 11 to 12, though you can receive it as early as age 9. Some adults may also benefit from vaccination later in life, depending on their age and risk factors.
There usually aren’t major activity restrictions after getting the HPV vaccine. But if your arm is sore or you feel tired, it may help to avoid intense physical activity for the rest of the day.
The bottom line
The most common human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine side effects are injection site reactions, headache, and nausea. Fever, dizziness, and fatigue are also possible. These are usually mild and will go away on their own.
There are speculations regarding long-term side effects of the HPV vaccine. But extensive studies from the CDC and FDA have found that they’re either unrelated to the vaccine or are extremely rare.
If you’re unsure whether you should get the HPV vaccine, talk to your healthcare professional. They can help you decide if the HPV vaccine is right for you or your child.
Why trust our experts?
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). HPV vaccine is important to give to children.
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2026). Recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule for ages 18 years or younger.
Immunization, Infectious Disease, and Public Health Preparedness Expert Work Group. (2020). Committee opinion No. 809: Human papillomavirus vaccination. Committee on Adolescent Health Care.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Clinical overview of HPV.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). HPV vaccine safety and effectiveness data.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Reasons to get HPV vaccine.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine safety.
Feiring, B., et al. (2017). HPV vaccination and risk of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: A nationwide register-based study from Norway. Vaccine.
Immunize.org. (2024). HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine requirements for secondary school.
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC. (2025). Gardasil 9 - human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine, recombinant injection, suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.
The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company. (2025). Pepto kids - calcium carbonate tablet, chewable [package insert].
The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company. (2026). PEPTO-BISMOL- bismuth subsalicylate suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.
