HPV Vaccine for Preteens and Teens

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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.

Group of preteens

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.

Teen outdoors.

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.

Cervical Cancer is Preventable! Listen To This

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This 60 second Public Service Announcement is based on the November 2014 CDC Vital Signs report. Every visit to a doctor or nurse is an opportunity to prevent cervical cancer. Women can get a Pap test and HPV test to help prevent cervical cancer and adolescent boys and girls can get the HPV vaccination series to help prevent cervical and other cancers. Created: 11/5/2014 by National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC). Date Released: 11/5/2014. Series Name: CDC Radio.

 

Get Tested for Cervical Cancer

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The Basics

You can help prevent cervical cancer by getting regular screening tests (called Pap tests) and follow-up care. A Pap test (sometimes called a Pap smear) is done in a doctor’s office or clinic.

Most deaths from cervical cancer can be prevented if women get regular Pap tests. A Pap test can find abnormal (changed) cells before they turn into cancer. Pap tests can also find cervical cancer early, when it usually can be cured.

How often should I get screened (tested)?
How often you should get screened for cervical cancer depends on how old you are and which tests you get. 

If you are age 66 or older, ask your doctor if cervical cancer screening is recommended for you.

What happens during a Pap test?
A Pap test takes about 2 to 5 minutes. It may feel uncomfortable, but a Pap test doesn’t hurt.

While you lie on the exam table, the doctor or nurse will put a medical tool (called a speculum) into your vagina and open it to see your cervix. The doctor or nurse will use a special brush to collect a few cells from your cervix. These cells are sent to a lab to be checked by an expert.

The doctor or nurse will also do a pelvic exam to check your uterus, ovaries, and other organs.

What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus (or womb).

Abnormal cells in the cervix can turn into cancer if they are not found early and treated. Cervical cancer is more common in women over age 30.

The cervix connects the uterus (or womb) to the vagina.

Picture of a woman's lower reproductive organs including the fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, vagina, and cervix.

Learn more about cervical cancer and screening:

Take Action!

Take these steps to help prevent cervical cancer.

Schedule your Pap test.
Call a doctor’s office or local health clinic to schedule your Pap test and pelvic exam.

What about cost?
Testing for cervical cancer is covered under the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law passed in 2010. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get tested at no cost to you.

For information about other services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov.

Get ready for your Pap test.
Try to schedule your Pap test for a time when you won’t have your period. For 2 days before your test, doctors recommend that you don’t:

  • Use tampons
  • Have sex
  • Use birth control creams, foams, or jellies
  • Douche (rinse the vagina with water or other liquid)

Get help understanding your Pap test result.

Lower your risk of cervical cancer.
A major cause of cervical cancer is HPV (human papillomavirus). HPV is the most common STD (sexually transmitted disease).

Some types of HPV can cause genital and anal warts. Other types of HPV can cause cervical cancer and other cancers.

You are at higher risk of getting HPV if you:

  • Started having sex before age 18
  • Have unprotected sex
  • Have many different sex partners
  • Have a sex partner who has other sex partners

Check out these websites for more information on HPV:

Get the HPV vaccine.
Doctors recommend that women age 26 and younger get the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine is given in 3 shots over 6 months. The shots protect against the types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer. Find out more about the HPV vaccine.

Girls and boys can get the HPV vaccine, too. If you have kids, ask their doctor about the HPV vaccine.

Get your well-woman visit every year.
During your visit, talk to the doctor or nurse about other important screenings and services to help you stay healthy. Find out more about getting your well-woman visit every year.