The HPV Vaccine:
a cancer-prevention win

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus passed through skin-to-skin contact. While most people clear the virus on their own, certain strains can linger and cause serious health issues later in life including several types of cancer affecting both women and men. In fact, HPV is responsible for 60% to 70% of all throat, tonsil and tongue cancers in the United States.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV is so common that nearly everyone who is unvaccinated will get it at some point in their lives. Here is what the numbers look like nationwide:
• About 13 million new infections occur in the U.S. every year, impacting teens and adults alike.
• Roughly 85% of people will contract an HPV infection at some point during their lifetime.

Because the virus is so widespread and often shows no symptoms at all, the preteen vaccine is truly the best tool to get ahead of it before exposure ever happens.

The incredible news is that the HPV vaccine acts like an umbrella before it starts raining. The HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to the virus. That is why major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the CDC, recommend starting the vaccine series for preteens at ages 11 or 12, though children can begin getting it as early as age 10.

Getting vaccinated early means better immune protection. Depending on when your child starts, the process is straightforward:
• Ages 10 through 14: Children need just two doses given 6 to 12 months apart.

By getting these doses during routine adolescent check-ups, you are setting up a shield of protection that will last into their adulthood. Backed by decades of safety monitoring, the HPV vaccine has an exceptional safety profile and has successfully prevented thousands of cancers and precancerous growths.