On one hand, you are beyond the usually recommended cut-off for HPV immunization (age 26); and you have had minimal opportunities for exposure to HPV up til now. The main determinant of whether vaccine is appropriate at this time is your future sexual plans and expectations. If you're about to enter the dating world, i.e. anticipating several sexual partnerships in the next months or years, HPV immunization would be beneficial. If you do not expect to be very sexually active, or if entering a committed long term relationship, probably not. However, if starting a new relationship with someone who has been quite sexually experienced and thus likely to be carrying HPV, vaccination is an option.

The HPV vaccines are nearly free of risks or side effects. Any vaccine can cause rare side effects, sometimes serious (like the neurological disorder Guillain-Barré syndrome, for example). If you do not have a strong history of allergies, side effects should not be an issue for you. The vaccine is entirely safe in nursing mothers, for both mom and baby.

I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD