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Learn More About the HPV Vaccine

Date: 06/30/22

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States3. About 14 million Americans, including teens, become infected each year. It is important to know the facts to help protect your child.

Does HPV cause health problems?

In most cases, 9 out of 10, HPV goes away on its own within two years without health problems. But when HPV does not go away, it can cause health problems like genital warts and cancer.3

Does HPV cause cancer?

HPV can cause cancers of the1:

  • cervix, vagina and vulva in women.
  • penis in men.
  • anus in both men and women.
  • throat and mouth, including the base of the tongue and tonsils, in both men and women.

The HPV vaccine can prevent over 90% of cancers caused by HPV. It can also help protect against anal, vaginal, cervical and vulvar precancers. Precancers are abnormal cells that can lead to cancer. 1

How is HPV spread?

You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex. It also spreads through close skin-to-skin touching during sex. A person with HPV can pass the infection to someone even when they have no signs or symptoms.3

Who should get the HPV vaccine?

  • The CDC recommends 11- to 12-year-olds receive two doses of the HPV vaccine 6 to 12 months apart.2
  • The vaccination can be started at the age of 9 years old.
  • Everyone through the age of 26 years old, if not already vaccinated.
  • Vaccination is not recommended for anyone older than age 26 years.2

For the HPV vaccine to be most effective, the series should be given before children are ever exposed to the virus.

To learn more about HPV, other STIs and how to keep your family healthy, please visit our Health and Wellness webpage.

Sources:
1 - https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/cancer.html
2 - https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/public/index.html
3 - https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm