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St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Home

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
St. Jude Research

St. Jude Family of Websites

Explore our cutting edge research, world-class patient care, career opportunities and more.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Home

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

A Future Free of HPV Cancers Starts with You

PRETEENS

TEENS

Emma is thinking how weird it is that cows sleep standing up. Not about HPV cancers.

Your preteen isn’t thinking about HPV vaccination—that’s why you need to. 

Find HPV Vaccination

“On-Time” Vaccination is Best

Vaccination is Best

HPV vaccination is most effective when completed by the 13th birthday.

Maximize HPV Protection

HPV vaccination today protects your child in adulthood.

Long-Lasting Protection

Studies show HPV vaccination during childhood remains effective into adulthood.

St. Jude recommends HPV vaccination between 9 and 12 years old.

Help your child enjoy a future free from HPV cancers.

“I recommend the vaccine at 9 years old because the data supports better immune response when children receive the vaccine at younger ages.”

Jennifer Berger, MD

Memphis Pediatrics Associated with Le Bonheur Pediatrics

“The body's immune system produces a more robust immune response to the HPV vaccine the earlier it is given.”

Chris Barry, PA-C, MMSc, DFAAPA

JMA Pediatrics

“Starting early also assures protection before potential HPV exposure later in adolescence or young adulthood.”

Dr. Melissa Hudson, MD, FASCO

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

HPV Vaccination Schedule & Dosing 

For most children aged 9-12, HPV vaccination requires 2 doses. Ask your child’s healthcare provider what’s right for them.

First Dose 

Your child is due for their first HPV vaccination when they turn 9.

Second Dose 

Administered between 6-12 months after the first dose.

Find HPV vaccination

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A mother caring for her daughter with her hand resting on the young girl's forehead.

A Cancer Prevention Revolution

HPV vaccination has dramatically reduced the number of HPV cancers.

HPV vaccination can prevent more than 90% of HPV cancers.

For those ages 9–26, HPV vaccination is covered by almost every health insurance plan in the United States.

HPV vaccines are safe. With more than 500 million doses administered worldwide, HPV vaccines are an effective method of preventing new cases of cancer.

HPV vaccination today gives your child long-lasting protection against 6 types of HPV cancer.​

Schedule an HPV Vaccination Reminder 

Make sure you’re keeping your child on schedule for HPV vaccination. Schedule a reminder for their next vaccination appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What does HPV have to do with cancer?

    Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can lead to 6 types of cancer. 

  2. How does HPV cause cancer?

    HPV can cause the body’s cells to become abnormal and grow quickly, causing cancer. The longer HPV stays in the body untreated, the more likely it is to lead to cancer.

  3. Who gets HPV?

    Anyone can, whether male or female. HPV is very common, but vaccinations can prevent 90% of HPV cancers.

  4. Why should I be worried about HPV?

    HPV can develop into 6 types of cancer, some of which can be difficult to detect until they’re advanced. 

  5. What kinds of cancers can be caused by HPV?

    HPV can cause throat cancer, cervical cancer, and cancer of the anus, vulva, penis, and vagina.

  6. Are HPV cancers preventable?

    Yes. HPV vaccination provides safe, effective, and long-lasting protection against the most common types of HPV linked to cancers.

  7. Should boys receive the HPV vaccination?

    Yes. HPV affects men and boys, too. The most common HPV cancers are mouth and throat cancers, and they are seen at a higher rate in men than women. HPV can also cause cancer of the penis, and anus in men.

  8. My child is not yet sexually active, should I still vaccinate against HPV?

    Yes. HPV vaccination is most effective when given before someone becomes sexually active. HPV vaccination can prevent HPV infection, but it cannot treat an existing HPV infection.

  9. Why does my child need HPV vaccination at such a young age? Are they really at risk?

    Your child may not be at risk today, but HPV vaccination is most effective when given before someone becomes sexually active. By choosing HPV vaccination today, you can help protect your child against HPV cancers later in life.

  10. Are there any side effects of HPV vaccination?

    Like most vaccines, HPV vaccination can cause pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site. Other reported side effects include headaches, fatigue, nausea, and, in rare cases, dizziness and fainting.

  11. How much does HPV vaccination cost, and where can my child get it?

    For most children, HPV vaccination is free. HPV vaccines may be given at physician’s offices, community health clinics, school-based health facilities, or local health departments. Uninsured or underinsured people may be able to get the vaccine through federally funded health programs, like the “Vaccines for Children” (VFC) program. Check out your state or local health department website or contact a healthcare provider near you for details. HPV vaccination may also be available through your pharmacy.

Resources for Parents and Caregivers

Get HPV Vaccination Reminders

Don’t let your child’s window for on-time vaccination slip by. Schedule a reminder in your calendar, and make sure your child is protected.

Are You a Healthcare Provider?

Show your support for HPV vaccination and help protect your patients.

Visit our healthcare provider page