One HPV Shot or Two? What Aurora Parents Need to Know as Guidelines Shift
If you've got a preteen or teen at home, you've probably heard the back-and-forth: does the HPV vaccine really need two doses, or will one do the job? The short answer—right now, it depends on who you ask and how old your kid is.
The CDC still recommends two doses for kids starting the series at ages 11–12 (six to twelve months apart). But the World Health Organization and a growing stack of international data say a single dose offers solid protection. Earlier this year, the FDA expanded approval for a one-dose option—specifically Gardasil 9—for ages 9–20. Colorado's Immunization Branch is watching the data closely, but hasn't updated school requirements yet.
For Aurora families, that means a conversation with your provider—not a guessing game. Clinics at Every Child Pediatrics (with locations on Colfax and in Aurora South), Kaiser Permanente Aurora, and Tri-County Health Department's vaccine clinics are all fielding these questions daily. Many are still defaulting to the two-dose schedule until state guidance catches up, but they'll walk you through the pros and cons for your child's age and health history.
Why does it matter? HPV causes six types of cancer. Colorado's vaccination rates hover around 65% for teens—below the national goal. Fewer shots could mean higher completion, especially for families juggling work, school, and transportation across the I-225 corridor.
Bottom line: don't wait for the perfect consensus. Schedule the well-visit. Ask the question. And get your kid protected—whether that's one visit or two.
Find a vaccine clinic near you: [Tri-County Health Immunization Schedule](https://www.tchd.org/immunizations) | [CDPHE Vaccine Finder](https://cdphe.colorado.gov/immunization)
