St. Jude Research

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 is routinely recommended for everyone aged 9-26 and for some people aged 27-45 who were not vaccinated when younger. 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.

Talk to your health care provider about HPV vaccination today.

Protects against 90% of HPV cancers

Get the facts about HPV vaccination

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It works

The HPV vaccine protects against almost all types of HPV that cause cancer and genital warts.

It is safe

Since 2006, studies consistently confirm the safety of HPV vaccination, with mild, temporary side effects.

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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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends HPV vaccination routinely to children, both boys and girls, ages 11-12, starting at age 9, and through age 26. It may be recommended for some people ages 27–45 after discussing with a health care provider. The American Association of Pediatricians, the American Cancer Society and others also recommend HPV vaccination starting at age 9. 

 
On time

Dose 1: Age 9-12 years
Dose 2: 6-12 months after first dose

Late

Dose 1: Age 13-14 years
Dose 2: 6-12 months after first dose

Late: Extra Dose

Dose 1: Age 5-26 years
Dose 2: 1-2 months after first dose
Dose 3: 6 months after first dose

Consult

3 Doses: Age 27-45 years
Talk with health care provider about HPV vaccination

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. These types of HPV are called high-risk, meaning high-risk for cancer. 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. Why should I be worried about HPV?

    HPV infection is very common and should be taken seriously because it can develop into six types of cancer, some of which are hard to detect until they are advanced.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Should boys receive the HPV vaccination?

    Oral or throat cancer in males 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.

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

    Yes. Vaccination is most effective before sexual activity begins; it prevents infection but does not treat an existing one.

  9. 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.

  10. Are there any side effects of HPV vaccination?

    Common side effects include pain, swelling, and redness where the shot is given, plus occasional headaches, fatigue, nausea, or fainting.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.