The Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine: Safe and Effective!
Aug 18, 2022
The Centers for Disease Control, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians together recommend all individuals ages 9 – 26 (and some adults too!) receive a 9-valent vaccine to protect against the human papillomavirus or HPV, a sexually transmitted infection responsible for most cases of genital warts and cervical cancers.
The HPV vaccine protects against the viruses that cause up to 85% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts, as well as some types of anal, mouth and throat cancers. With the HPV vaccine, this generation can substantially reduce their risk of these cancers, some of which are deadly.
Here’s what you need to know about the HPV vaccine.
Is the HPV Vaccine Safe?
The HPV vaccine has been used by millions of people around the world for more than 15 years. More than 135 million doses have been given worldwide. The FDA and CDC performed extensive safety testing before they approved the vaccine. As with any vaccine, there can be irritation, pain or swelling around the injection site. There is no conclusive evidence that the HPV vaccine causes serious health issues. HPV vaccines are made from one piece of the virus: they cannot cause HPV infections or cancer.
Who Should Get the Vaccine?
All individuals aged 9 – 26 years should receive the HPV vaccine. Some adults aged 27 – 45 years may choose to get the vaccine if they haven’t been vaccinated already.
If you start the HPV vaccine series before age 15, you’ll need 2 doses of the vaccine given 6 months apart. If you are 15 years or older when you start the vaccine series, you’ll need 3 doses given over 6 months.
If you are late to get the 2nd or 3rd dose of the HPV vaccine (even by months or years), you don’t need to restart the series: just pick up where you left off.
Does the HPV Vaccine Work?
Yes! Since the HPV vaccine was rolled out in the U.S., infections with HPV types that cause most cervical cancers and genital warts have dropped by 88% in teen girls, and 81% in young adult women. Among vaccinated women, cervical cancer precursors caused by high-risk HPV types has dropped by 40%.
If the HPV Vaccine Protects Primarily Against Cervical Cancer, Why Should My Son Get It?
Most people can’t tell when they are infected with HPV, and boys can transmit the virus to girls. When we vaccinate boys, we protect girls, too. HPV may also cause cancer of the penis in men, and cancers of the anus and oropharynx in both women and men. And don’t forget that HPV can cause genital warts too, which affect both men and women! By vaccinating boys, we protect them and their future partners.
My Child Isn’t Sexually Active, Why Should He/She Get the Vaccine?
The vaccine is most effective if it’s delivered before exposure. Protection against HPV will extend into adulthood, and most individuals are sexually active at some point in their lifetime. HPV is transmitted from person to person through sexual activity: vaginal or anal sex is the typical route of transmission, but HPV can also be spread through oral sex or sex play. If your child has already been sexually active, they should still receive the vaccine.
Most unvaccinated people who are sexually active will get exposed to HPV at some point in their life. 13 million people in the U.S. become infected with HPV each year. Thankfully, most HPV infections go away on their own, but those that don’t can cause cancer.
How Do I Explain to My Child That This Vaccine Doesn’t Mean It’s OK for Them To Have Unprotected Sex?
If you haven’t discussed sexually transmitted infections with your tween, now might be the right time to share your values and educate your tween about abstinence and/or safe sex. If that’s not a conversation you’re ready to have, you can say that the vaccine is to protect them against future disease. Studies show that there is no increase in sexual activity or risky sexual behaviors after receiving the HPV vaccine.
If My Daughter Receives the HPV Vaccine, Does She Still Need a PAP Test in the Future?
Yes. While the HPV vaccine greatly reduces the risk of HPV-related cervical cancer and genital warts, getting a PAP test is still necessary to screen for any abnormal cervical cell changes or cervical cancer. PAP testing starts at age 21.
Having your child immunized against HPV is an excellent opportunity to protect them from future disease. Bottom line: the HPV vaccine is cancer protection that is safe AND effective.
If you have additional questions, your pediatrician or gynecologist is a great source of information.
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