Protect Your Child From HPV and Related Cancers

The HPV vaccine can protect your child from a cancer-causing sexually transmitted disease. An appointment with your pediatrician can get the process started.

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Updated November 11, 2024

By Randolph Deger, MD, Gynecologic Oncologist, Virtua Gynecologic Oncology

HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted disease. It's so common that nearly all sexually active men and women get it at some point in their lives. This is true even for people who only have sex with one person in their lifetime.

Almost all cervical cancer can be traced back to an HPV infection, and studies show links between HPV and a startling increase in several other types of cancer, including that of the head, neck, and anus.

Cancer risks aside, genital warts can also arise from HPV infection. These warts, which can appear as cauliflower-like growths on the vulva or inside the vagina, may require multiple visits to the doctor for freezing or laser treatment.

If your child is vaccinated, they’ll likely never have to deal with this scenario.

How do I get my family vaccinated?

The HPV vaccine, Gardasil-9, has been available in the United States since 2006. It’s been proven safe and effective in preventing transmission of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the cancers it can cause.

Vaccination with Gardasil-9 is recommended for girls, young women, preteen boys, and young men. The vaccination process can be started by making an appointment with your family doctor or pediatrician.

For girls:
Gardasil 9 is recommended for all 11- and 12-year-old girls. If not vaccinated during that window, girls and young women ages 13 through 26 should still get the vaccine.

For boys:
Gardasil 9 is recommended for all 11- and 12-year-old boys. If not vaccinated during that window, boys and young men ages 13 through 21 should still get the vaccine.

For adults:
Under certain circumstances, adults ages 26 to 45 can receive the vaccine. Talk to your doctor.

Side effects:
Side effects are rare. The most common are similar to the side effects of almost all vaccines:

Pain at the injection site
Fever
Headache
Nausea
Fainting (though rare)

How is the vaccine given?

The HPV vaccine is usually given in 2 doses over 6-12 months. People who start HPV vaccination at 15 years of age and older should get the vaccine as a 3-dose series, with the second dose given 1-2 months after the first dose and the third dose given 6 months after the first dose. Several exceptions exist to these age recommendations, so your healthcare provider is your best guide to what's appropriate for your child.

What’s most important is to give the vaccine long before any sexual activity with another person is expected for it to be most effective in preventing infection.