The HPV Vaccine:
a cancer-prevention win

As parents, we do many things now to protect our children’s health later in life. The HPV vaccine is one of them.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an extremely common virus that can cause several types of cancer in adulthood. HPV affects both females and males, which is why HPV vaccination is recommended for both girls and boys.

THE TOP 3 REASONS WE RECOMMEND HPV VACCINATION:

1. It Helps Prevent Cancer
The HPV vaccine is a cancer-prevention vaccine. HPV can cause cancers of the:
– Cervix
– Throat and tonsils
– Anus
– Penis
– Vagina and vulva
HPV vaccination can prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV.
Protecting your child now can significantly reduce their risk of developing an HPV-related cancer later in life.

2. The Vaccine Works Best When Given Early
The goal is to vaccinate children well before they could ever be exposed to HPV. Children also develop a strong immune response to the vaccine when it is given during the preteen years.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting HPV vaccination between ages 9 and 12. Starting early does not mean we expect a child to become sexually active. We vaccinate early because vaccines work best when they are given before exposure to an infection. Think of it like putting on a seat belt before the car starts moving.

3. HPV Affects Boys, Too
HPV vaccination isn’t just for girls. While many parents associate HPV with cervical cancer, HPV can also cause throat, anal and penile cancers in males. In fact, HPV-related throat cancers occur in both men and women.  Vaccinating boys provides them with their own direct protection against HPV infection and HPV-related cancers.

Is the HPV Vaccine Safe?
Yes. HPV vaccines have been extensively studied and monitored.
The most common side effects are temporary and similar to those seen with other vaccines, including:
– Pain, redness or swelling where the vaccine was given
– Headache
– Fatigue
– Occasionally fever

Your child may be asked to sit for ten minutes after receiving their shot.

When Should My Child Receive the HPV Vaccine?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends beginning the HPV vaccine series between ages 9 and 12. Starting during the preteen years gives your child’s immune system the opportunity to build protection long before HPV exposure could occur.

A Simple Way to Think About HPV Vaccination
We aren’t vaccinating children because we expect them to be exposed to HPV today. We’re vaccinating them now so they are protected years from now.
HPV vaccination is an opportunity to prevent several cancers before they ever have a chance to develop.

Questions Are Welcome
It’s completely reasonable to have questions about any vaccine your child receives.  Please talk with your pediatrician about HPV vaccination, its benefits, potential side effects and the vaccination schedule that’s right for your child.

Protect now. Prevent cancer later.