Jacquelyn, a mother of two and cervical cancer survivor, shares her story. After her son was born, she found out she had cancer and needed a total hysterectomy.

“Every time the doctor calls, I hold my breath until I get the results. Cancer is always in the back of my mind,” Jacquelyn says. “I will protect my son and daughter by getting both of them the HPV vaccine series as soon as they turn 11. I tell everyone I know to get their children the HPV vaccine series to protect them from cancer.”

Screen Women for Cervical Cancer

Use Pap tests every 3 years for women ages 21-29

• Doctors or nurses collect cells for the Pap test during an exam.
• The Pap test can find abnormal cells that may develop into cancer, if left untreated.

Choose 1 of 2 options for women ages 30-65

Doctor and patient decide together which screening approach is preferred:

1. Pap test every 3 years, or;
2. Pap test plus HPV test every 5 years. The HPV test can find the HPV virus by testing cells collected at the same time as a Pap test.

Women should get screened as recommended. More frequent screening does not provide more protection.

• Some women may need a different screening schedule because of their health history.
• Women over age 65 should ask their doctor if they need to continue screening.
• Women should talk with their doctors and nurses to understand their screening results.
• Women who had the HPV vaccine should still start getting screened when they reach age 21.

Why does my child need HPV vaccine?

This vaccine is for protection from most of the cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is a very common virus that spreads between people when they have sexual contact with another person. About 14 million people, including teens, become infected with HPV each year. HPV infection can cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in women and penile cancer in men. HPV can also cause anal cancer, mouth/throat (oropharyngeal) cancer, and genital warts in both men and women.

When should my child be vaccinated?

The HPV vaccine is recommended for preteen boys and girls at age 11 or 12 so they are protected before ever being exposed to the virus. HPV vaccine also produces a higher immune response in preteens than in older adolescents. If your teen hasn’t gotten the vaccine yet, talk to their doctor about getting it for them as soon as possible.

HPV CANCER PREVENTION
Preteens need HPV vaccine now to prevent many of the cancers caused by HPV later.

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The HPV vaccine is given in 3 shots. The second shot is given 1 or 2 months after the first shot. Then a third shot is given 6 months after the first shot.

What else should I know about HPV vaccine?

There are two HPV vaccines. Girls and young women should get either HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer.

One of the HPV vaccines also protects against genital warts and anal cancer in both females and males.Boys should get this HPV vaccine to prevent anal cancer and genital warts. Girls can get this vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, anal cancer and genital warts.

Both HPV vaccines have been studied very carefully. These studies showed no serious safety concerns. Common, mild adverse events (side effects) reported during these studies include pain in the arm where the shot was given, fever, dizziness and nausea.

Some preteens and teens might faint after getting the HPV vaccine or any shot. Preteens and teens should sit or lie down when they get a shot and stay like that for about 15 minutes after the shot. This can help prevent fainting and any injury that could happen while fainting.

Serious side effects from the HPV vaccine are rare. It is important to tell the doctor or nurse if your child has any severe allergies, including an allergy to latex or yeast. HPV vaccine is not recommended for anyone who is pregnant. HPV vaccination is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine.