How Much Does an HPV Vaccine Cost Without Insurance in 2021?

An HPV vaccine protects people from infection by certain types of human papillomavirus. It is recommended for everyone under the age of 26 to prevent certain cancers. Without insurance, the cost for an HPV vaccine costs an average of $300; the cost is influenced by the number of doses needed and the type of clinic you visit.  

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The Cost of an HPV Vaccine

We gathered information from five different clinics in major metropolitan areas across the United States to determine the cost of an HPV vaccine. On average, we found that an HPV vaccine will cost $300 without insurance. The least expensive HPV vaccines were found at FPA Women's Health in Los Angeles, CA, and New York Urology Specialists in New York City, totaling $250. 

The prices listed below are the total cost for one dose of an HPV vaccine for someone who doesn't have health insurance. Since the HPV vaccine is typically administered in multiple doses, this cost would be applied for each injection. 

There may also be additional provider fees at the clinic where you receive your vaccine. You can discuss these additional costs with a doctor to ensure you are being charged the correct amount.

Cost of an HPV Vaccine Without Insurance At Different U.S. Clinics

Additional Costs

There may be additional costs that you incur when getting an HPV vaccine. First and foremost, you will need to pay for the visit to see the doctor, which can vary. You can receive an HPV at many different places, including an OB/GYN, an urgent care center, a general doctor's office, and even at your local pharmacy. 

Cost of Common Baseline Clinic Visits

Keep in mind that you will most likely be paying this additional fee each time you go in for an injection since the vaccine comes in multiple doses. It'sDoctor'sdoctor'sWomen'sdoesn't important to speak with the provider before the visit to ask about costs upfront, as it may be different for each location. For example, at FPA Women's Health in Los Angeles, CA, the baseline provider fee for an HPV vaccine is $80 if no other additional services are used. 

Factors that Influence the Cost of an HPV Vaccine

There are a few factors that can influence the cost of an HPV vaccine. It's important to keep a lookout for items that may affect how much you pay out of pocket. Some factors we found that will influence the cost of an HPV vaccine include the number of doses needed, the type of clinic, and if your state offers any free vaccinations at clinics or pharmacies. 

Number of Doses Needed

The HPV vaccine must be administered in several doses because it does not contain any live viruses. It instead contains proteins that the body must build up an immune response to; rather, it's a recombinant vaccine. The body needs several doses to produce the desired immunity. Many people do not go through with the total dosage. In a study done in 2012, only 33.4 percent of girls ages thirteen to seventeen had completed all recommended HPV doses. 

For children ages eleven to twelve years old, the CDC recommends two doses of the HPV vaccine given six to twelve months apart. On average, this would mean that being fully vaccinated from HPV would cost $600. For those over the age of fifteen or with weakened immune systems, it is recommended to get three doses of the vaccine given six months apart. On average, this would mean that being fully vaccinated would cost $900. 

Type of Clinic

Depending on where you go to get your HPV vaccinations, the cost will differ, according to our research. In the tables above, we found that the cheapest vaccines were performed at OB/GYN and urology offices, priced at $250 per dose. The most expensive vaccines were found at hospitals, totaling $478 per dose.

Different clinics will also have varying baseline fees, which is essential to calculate before your visit. For example, at FPA Women'sit's Health, each dose of the vaccine would cost $310 with the additional provider fee. At an urgent care clinic like CVS, you may be spending $402.60 in total for just one dose of the HPV vaccine. 

Avoiding High Costs When Getting an HPV Vaccine

When getting an HPV vaccine, there are specific programs and initiatives you may be able to part-take in if eligible. 

The Vaccine for Children Program

The Vaccine for Children (VFC) Program helps children with no health insurance receive essential vaccines at no cost to them. To be eligible, a child through eighteen years of age must qualify for one of the following categories:

• American Indian or Alaskan Native
• Medicaid eligible
• Uninsured
• Underinsured

Patient Assistance Programs

The drug manufacturer of the HPV vaccine, Merck, offers a Patient Assistance Program to help cover the cost; this helps those who no longer qualify for the VFC Program. In order to be eligible, one must:

• Be 19-45 years old
• Have no health insurance
• Live in the United States
• Have an annual income at or less than 400% of Federal Poverty Level

In addition to these resources, free vaccinations often occur at local clinics and pharmacies in many states. It is often available for free to most college students at their university's health services center. Planned Parenthood is another resource that offers free HPV vaccines at all of its locations across the country. Keep an eye out for free vaccines that may be offered in your area. 

HPV Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Before getting the HPV vaccine, you may have some unanswered questions. Below we have laid out some answers to items that people commonly ask about the vaccine. 

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection. It can be contracted by having anal, oral, or vaginal sex with someone who has the virus. Untreated, it can lead to genital warts and different types of cancer. The HPV vaccine is entirely safe and effective in reducing the chance of contracting HPV. The virus affects both men and women. 

How common is HPV?

HPV is one of the most common STDs. The CDC estimates that it affected 43 million people in 2018. Almost every single person who is sexually active that does not have the vaccine will contract HPV during their lifetime. 

Do I need to get the HPV vaccine?

Although it is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to receive the HPV vaccine to protect yourself against cancers and other potential heart problems related to HPV. Currently, only four U.S. jurisdictions require an HPV vaccination for schools: Rhode Island, Puerto Rico, Virginia, and Washington D.C., but the idea has been introduced in many others. 

Who is eligible to receive the HPV vaccine?

Anyone ages 9 to 45 is eligible to receive the HPV vaccine, as long as a doctor is consulted beforehand. Your age will determine how many doses are needed to be fully vaccinated. It is recommended to get the first dose around ages eleven to twelve so one can be vaccinated before they are sexually active. Both men and women can receive the vaccine. 

Are there side effects to the HPV vaccine?

Like any vaccine, there are some side effects associated with getting the HPV vaccine, but it is entirely safe and FDA-approved. Common side effects that patients experience are soreness in the location the shot was administered, fever, dizziness, or headache. After receiving the shot, the patient is required to sit or lay down for fifteen minutes before leaving the facility in order to prevent dizziness or fainting. 

Bottom Line 

You may want to consider getting an HPV vaccine if you're between the ages of 9 to 45 to prevent the onset of cancers and other health problems. Without insurance, the cost of the vaccine can be expensive, averaging at $300 for each dose. While the price is pretty stable across the country, it can be affected by the number of doses needed, the provider fees, and the type of clinic visited. There are many assistance programs available that offer free HPV vaccinations.