HPV Vaccine Information

HPV Vaccine Information

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus that spreads from person to person through sexual contact. It can spread during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. There are many types of HPV viruses, and some may cause cancer.

Your child can get a vaccination to prevent HPV infection and cancer. The vaccine is both safe and effective. It is recommended for boys and girls at about 11–12 years of age. Getting the vaccination at this age—before becoming sexually active—gives your child the best chance at protection from HPV infection through adulthood.

How can HPV affect my child?

HPV infection can cause:

  • Genital warts.
  • Mouth or throat cancer (oropharyngeal cancer).
  • Anal cancer.
  • Cervical, vulvar, or vaginal cancer.
  • Penile cancer.

During pregnancy, HPV infection can be passed to the baby. This infection can cause warts to develop in a baby’s throat and windpipe.

What actions can I take to lower my child’s risk for HPV?

To lower your child’s risk for HPV infection, have him or her get the HPV vaccination before becoming sexually active. The best time for vaccination is between ages 11 and 12, though it can be given to children as young as 9 years old. If your child gets the first dose before age 15, the vaccination can be given as 2 shots (doses), 6–12 months apart. In some situations, 3 doses are needed:

  • If your child starts the vaccine before age 15 but does not have a second dose within 6–12 months, your child will need 3 doses to complete the vaccination. When your child has the first dose, it is important to make an appointment for the next shot and keep the appointment.
  • Teens who are not vaccinated before age 15 will need 3 doses given within 6 months.
  • If your child has a weak immune system, he or she may need 3 doses.

Men and women up to age 26 can get the vaccination, even if they are already sexually active and even if they have already been infected with HPV. The vaccination can still help prevent the types of cancer-causing HPV that a person has not been infected with.

What are the risks and benefits of the HPV vaccine?

Benefits

The main benefit of getting vaccinated is to prevent certain cancers, including:

  • Cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancer in females.
  • Penile cancer in males.
  • Oral and anal cancer in both males and females.

The risk of these cancers is lower if your child gets vaccinated before he or she becomes sexually active.

The vaccine also prevents genital warts caused by HPV.

Risks

The risks, although low, include side effects or reactions to the vaccine. Very few reactions have been reported, but they can include:

  • Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
  • Dizziness or headache.
  • Fever.

Who should not get the HPV vaccine or should wait to get it?

Some children should not get the HPV vaccine or should wait. Discuss the risks and benefits of the vaccine with your child’s health care provider if your child:

  • Has had a severe allergic reaction to other vaccinations.
  • Is allergic to yeast.
  • Has a fever.
  • Has had a recent illness.
  • Is pregnant or may be pregnant.

Where to find more information

Summary

  • HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus that spreads from person to person through sexual contact. It can spread during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
  • Your child can get a vaccination to prevent HPV infection and cancer. It is best to get the vaccination before becoming sexually active.
  • The HPV vaccine can protect your child from genital warts and certain types of cancer, including cancer of the cervix, throat, mouth, vulva, vagina, anus, and penis.
  • The HPV vaccine is both safe and effective.
  • The best time for boys and girls to get the vaccination is when they are between ages 11 and 12.
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