What is HPV?

HPV is short for human papillomavirus. It is spread through direct contact with other people who are infected. HPV causes several types of cancer and genital warts.

Is HPV Common?

Most new infections happen in teenagers and young adults.

8 out of 10 people have an HPV infection at some point in their lives.

Is HPV Serious?

Yes. HPV causes 6 types of cancers: mouth and throat, cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, and penis cancers. Even with treatment, thousands of people die every year from HPV cancer.

Does the Infection Go Away on Its Own?

Most, but not all, HPV infections will clear on their own. However, there is no way to know which infections will go away or cause genital warts or even HPV-related cancers. There is no treatment for HPV infection. Most people do not know they are infected until they develop symptoms.

How Do You Keep Your Child Safe From HPV?

Getting the HPV vaccine is the best way to protect your child. Everyone is at risk for HPV infection. This includes all races, ethnicities, abilities, incomes, and education levels. It does matter what a child’s gender identity, sex assigned at birth or sexual orientation is.

Do Boys Need To Get the HPV Vaccine?

Yes. Almost half of the people with HPV-related cancers are boys. Mouth and throat cancer are the most common HPV-related cancers. These can happen in boys.

• There is no test for boys. Girls can be tested for HPV during pap smears.
• Boys do not know they have HPV until they already have cancer or genital warts.

When Is the Best Time for Your Child To Get the Vaccine?

Research has shown, youth who received all doses before their 13th birthday were free of cancer and genital warts when checked later in life.

It is best to get all HPV vaccine doses between the ages of 9 and 12 years because:

• The immune system responds best to this vaccine at younger ages
• Kids need to be protected long before they could be exposed to the virus

It’s never too late to get the vaccine! Each year a teen waits to get the vaccine means more risk for cancer. People who get the vaccine after age 13 years may still get genital warts or  HPV-related cancers.

Will the HPV Vaccine Wear off if We Give It in Young People?

Long-term studies show that the HPV vaccine does not wear off.

Does Giving the HPV Vaccine To Pre-Teens and Teens Give Them “Permission” To Start Having Sex?

Youth who get the HPV vaccines do not start having sex at earlier ages. In fact, some studies show that teens who receive the HPV vaccine start having sex later than teens who did not get the vaccine. People who got the vaccine are also more likely to practice safer sex than people who did not get the vaccine.

How Do You Know if the HPV Vaccine Is Safe?

The HPV vaccine has been used since 2006, with hundreds of millions of doses given. Over 200 studies from all over the world have shown that the HPV vaccine is very safe.

Does HPV Vaccine Cause Serious Side Effects?

The HPV vaccine does not cause serious health problems. Common side effects are:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the spot where the shot was given
• Dizziness or fainting. This can happen in teenagers after any shot. This is less common.

Have People Died From the HPV Vaccine?

The HPV vaccine does not cause death. All reports of death after any vaccine are examined. Reviews of people who died that recently received the HPV vaccine show the deaths were not caused by the vaccine.

Does the HPV Vaccine Cause Infertility?

The HPV vaccine does not cause infertility. In fact, people who have received all the vaccines may be more fertile and have healthier babies. Treatments for HPV diseases can make it harder for women to get and stay pregnant. HPV infection before or during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth. HPV infection in men can cause lower sperm counts, less healthy sperm, and miscarriage.

To learn more about the HPV vaccine, review this KidsHealth resource.