St. Jude Research

Backbone support for the HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast is provided by the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program.

HPV vaccination is cancer prevention.

Protect your child with HPV vaccination.

People living in the south are less likely to be vaccinated against HPV and more likely to get an HPV cancer. We can change this.

On-time HPV vaccination protects best. HPV vaccination can be given starting at age 9. It works best when given before age 13.

HPV vaccination is safe, prevents 90% of HPV cancers, and provides long-lasting protection.

Talk to your health care provider today about HPV vaccination to prevent 6 types of cancer. Protect your family and your legacy.

Protects against 90% of HPV cancers

Get the facts about HPV vaccination.

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It works.

HPV vaccination protects against the most common high-risk types of HPV causing 90% of HPV cancers.

It is safe.

Since 2006, studies consistently confirm the safety of HPV vaccination, with only mild, temporary side effects like any other vaccine.

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It provides long-lasting protection.

HPV vaccination works best when given on time. It creates antibodies that offer strong, long-lasting protection that does not decrease with time.

When should I vaccinate my child?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) routinely recommends HPV vaccination to children, both boys and girls, HPV vaccination starting at age 9. It works best when given before age 13. HPV vaccination is routinely recommended for everyone ages 9-26. It’s not too late to catch up on HPV vaccination. People ages 27-45 are also strongly encouraged to talk with a health care provider to see if HPV vaccination is right for them.

On Time Late Late: Extra Dose Consult
  • Dose 1: Age 9-12 years
  • Dose 2: 6-12 months after first dose
  • Dose 1: Age 13-14 years
  • Dose 2: 6-12 months after first dose
  • Dose 1: Age 15-26 years
  • Dose 2: 1-2 months after first dose
  • Dose 3: 6 months after first dose
  • 3 Doses: Age 27-45 years

Talk with your healthcare provider about HPV vaccination.

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FAQs About HPV Vaccination

  1. What does HPV have to do with cancer?

    Human papillomavirus, also called HPV, is one of the most common viruses. It can cause health problems like cancer, genital warts, and other HPV diseases. In fact, more than 40 types of HPV are linked to 6 types of cancers. Twelve of these types of HPV are considered high-risk, meaning high-risk for cancer, with types 16 and 18 causing the most cancers. HPV cancers are found in everyone-both males and females. The cancers include certain oral or throat, cervical, anal, vulvar, vaginal, and penile cancers. Oral or throat cancer in males is the most common type of HPV cancer in the United States.

  2. How does HPV cause cancer?

    When the body's immune system can't fend off an HPV infection caused by high-risk types of HPV, the virus can build up, making normal cells become abnormal or precancerous. These cells can grow and multiply, causing cancer. The longer HPV stays in the body untreated, the more likely it is to cause such cell changes and lead to cancer.

  3. Who gets HPV?

    HPV is common. Almost everyone will be exposed at some point in their life. HPV vaccination is recommended for everyone. It prevents 90% of cancers caused by HPV infection - oral or throat, cervical, anal, vaginal, vulvar, and penile.

  4. What kind of cancers can be caused by HPV?

    HPV cancers are found in everyone-both males and females. The cancers include certain oral or throat, cervical, anal, vulvar, vaginal, and penile cancers. Oral or throat cancer in males is the most common type of HPV cancer in the United States.

  5. Are HPV cancers preventable?

    Yes. Thanks to HPV vaccination, everyone ages 9-45 can protect themselves from HPV and the cancers that it can cause. More than 40,000 cases of HPV cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States, and 90% of these are preventable through on-time HPV vaccination by the 13th birthday. Talk to your health care provider today about HPV vaccination.

  6. Should boys receive the HPV vaccination?

    Oral or throat cancer is the most common type of HPV cancer in the United States. This type of HPV cancer occurs most often in males. This is why HPV vaccination is important for everyone -- boys and girls.

  7. Why should my child be vaccinated against HPV?

    HPV vaccination is cancer prevention. Vaccinating your child against HPV today protects them from 6 types of HPV cancers in the future. HPV vaccination is safe, effective, and offers long lasting protection.

  8. Is the HPV vaccine safe for my child?

    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.

  9. Are there any side effects of HPV vaccination?

    Any side effects are almost always mile and temporary, like with other vaccines. Common side effects include pain, swelling, and redness where the shot is given, plus occasional headaches, fatigue, nausea, or fainting.

  10. If my child is older than 13, is it too late for HPV vaccination?

    No. It is routinely recommended up to age 26, and adults 27-45 should talk with a health-care provider to see if it is right for them.

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

    For most children the vaccine is free. It is available at doctors' offices, community clinics, school-based health centers, and local health departments. Uninsured families can use programs like Vaccines for Children. Many pharmacies also offer it.

Resources

Learn more about HPV vaccination for cancer prevention.