The HPV vaccine is very safe.

Many parents choose to protect their child with the HPV vaccine. Some people who get the HPV vaccine have very mild side effects, like pain or redness where the shot was given. Most people do not have any side effects at all. The HPV vaccine has been studied and monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for more than 15 years. There have not been any serious safety concerns related to the vaccine. More than 135 million HPV vaccinations have safely been given to boys and girls in the United States.

The HPV vaccine prevents cancer.

There is no cure for HPV infections, only treatment for symptoms, but the vaccine can prevent more than 90 percent of HPV-related cancers from ever developing. HPV infections can cause:

• Cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers
• Penile cancer
• Anal cancer
• Cancer of the back of the throat (oropharynx)
• Genital warts

Most HPV infections do not cause symptoms and eventually go away on their own, but some infections can lead to cancer. There is no way to know which people who have HPV will develop cancer or other diseases in the future.

HPV causes thousands of cases of cancer every year.

HPV causes cancer in more than 37,300 Americans every year. In Colorado, about 586 people are diagnosed with an HPV-associated cancer each year. Roughly 80 million people in the United States are currently infected with HPV, and 4 out of 5 people will get HPV at some point in their lives. About 40 kinds of HPV can infect the genital area, mouth and throat. Certain types of HPV can cause genital warts, while others can cause common warts (like those on the hands and feet).

The HPV vaccine works best when your child is young.

Boys and girls ages 9-12 years have a stronger immune response to the vaccine compared to older adolescents and adults. They will only need 2 shots (instead of 3) if they get the vaccine at this age. Vaccination at this age also protects children before they are ever exposed to the virus. The HPV vaccine can be given alongside other preteen vaccines like Tdap (which prevents whooping cough, diphtheria and tetanus) and meningococcal (which prevents meningitis).

HPV can spread without you knowing it.

HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact with someone who has it. Most people with HPV don’t know they are infected. HPV can be unknowingly spread even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms. It is important for children to get the HPV vaccine before they are ever exposed to the virus so that they are protected from developing cancer in the future.

Yes, HPV vaccine is for boys and girls.

HPV can cause cancers in both men and women. The vaccine protects boys against HPV infections that can lead to anal, penile, and throat and mouth cancers later in life. The vaccine protects girls against HPV infections that can lead to cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal and throat and mouth cancers later in life. Vaccinating boys and girls also helps to prevent the spread of HPV to future partners.

The HPV vaccine is available at many locations.

The HPV vaccine is offered at many locations, including health care provider offices, local public health agencies, and pharmacies. The cost of the HPV vaccine is covered for children by private insurance and public programs, including Medicaid, the Vaccines for Children Program, and CHP+. Find a vaccine provider, and call ahead to make sure they can provide the HPV vaccine to your child at no cost.