Will the first shot of the hpv vaccine protect me from hpv strains or do i need all 3 of them in order to be protected?

3 is better than 1: HPV vaccine is an anti-cancer vaccine protecting against most cervical cancers and probably against anal cancers caused by the same viruses. The vaccine is expensive. With limited money for healthcare, some researchers (especially in less wealthy countries) are studying whether less than 3 doses will work. Two doses seem adequate in younger patients. One dose protects but probably not long enough.

Some basics: The HPV vaccines ( there are several) were under intense study for decades before they were approved for use. The 3 dose series of Gardasil has the longest long term benefit (years-decades) while a single dose may give you months to a year or more & then only to the HPV strains in the vaccine. If there is a delay in dose 2 &/or 3 they can always be given with accrued benefits.