What Every Parent Needs to Know - The HPV Vaccine and Cancer Prevention
If you're a parent of a preteen or teen, we know you have many questions about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The HPV vaccine is one of the best ways to prevent several types of cancers. However, many parents still struggle with the decision to vaccinate their child because information about the vaccine can be confusing.
What Is HPV?
Every year in the United States, more than 39,000 people will get cancer caused by HPV. HPV is a virus that is passed through intimate skin-to-skin sexual contact, such as vaginal, anal or oral sex. The HPV infection can cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in women, and penile cancer in men, along with anal cancer, head and neck cancers, and genital warts in both men and women. It also causes precancerous changes, called dysplasia, which can lead to abnormal pap tests and the need for further procedures in young women.
What Is the HPV Vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is a series of vaccinations against the HPV infection. It's recommended the vaccine be given to children 11 or 12 years old to protect against HPV infections that can cause some cancers later in life. HPV vaccination can be started at age 9 and is recommended through age 26 years for those who weren't fully vaccinated earlier. Some adults ages 27 to 45 may choose vaccination after discussing their risk and potential benefits with a health care provider.”
Who Needs the HPV Vaccine?
HPV affects both males and females. All boys and girls should begin the HPV series between the ages of 11 and 12.
Who Recommends the HPV Vaccine?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, recommend that all children receive the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine is also recommended by the American Cancer Society and the World Health Organization.
Why Is it Recommended at Such a Young Age?
The CDC, AAP and AAFP recommend that all 11- to 12-year-olds receive the HPV vaccine so they are protected before ever being exposed to the virus. Vaccines help before exposure to a disease, just like measles can't be prevented with a vaccine after a child has come down with it. This vaccine produces a higher immune response in preteens than in older adolescents. The vaccine is more effective when given at an earlier age.
Read More About HPV
See the links below for helpful informational handouts:
Physician Experts: Sarah Hughes, MD, Gynecologist-Oncologist, and Rick Moriarty, MD, Pediatric Infectious Disease
Note: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not intended for use as diagnosis or treatment of a health problem or as a substitute for the professional consultation of a physician or qualified health care provider. If you have specific questions or concerns regarding a health or medical condition, contact your physician or a licensed health care professional.
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