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Why the HPV Vaccine is Important

Date: 06/15/21

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can lead to six types of cancers later in life. You can protect your child from developing these cancers by giving HPV vaccine at 11 or 12-years-old. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV infections are so common that nearly all women and men will get HPV at some point in their lives. Nearly 80 million Americans are currently infected with HPV. About 14 million Americans, including teens, become infected each year.

HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus.

Some HPV infections can lead to cancer

Most HPV infections (9 out of 10) go away by themselves within 2 years. But sometimes, HPV infections will last longer and can cause certain types of cancers. HPV infections can cause cancers of the:

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

Prevent cancer with the HPV vaccine

HPV is estimated to cause nearly 36,000 cases of cancer in men and women every year in the United States. HPV vaccination can prevent more than 32,000 of these cancers from ever developing by preventing the infections that cause those cancers. Please note:

  • The CDC recommends children get two doses of HPV vaccine at ages 11–12 years.
  • HPV vaccination can be started at age 9 years.
  • For HPV vaccine to be most effective, the series should be given before children are ever exposed to the virus.

For more information on HPV and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), please visit Superior’s Health and Wellness page.