HPV Vaccine: Everything You Need To Know
Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our pediatricians.
We know you are the ultimate protector of your child’s health, and that you want to keep your child as healthy as possible — now and in the future. That’s why we partner with you to help you protect your child from HPV-related cancers and diseases. At CHOC, we provide the HPV vaccine at all our pediatric offices.
What is the HPV vaccine?
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is an immunization that protects against nine types of HPV infections that are most likely to cause cancer and genital warts. HPV is a virus that affects all people and can lead to cancer of the cervix, mouth, throat, anus and penis, as well as genital warts.
Types of HPV Vaccines
There are currently three brands of the HPV vaccine: Gardasil, Gardasil 9 and Cervarix. These vaccines protect against HPV types 16 and 18, the two types that cause 70% of cervical cancer cases. Gardasil also protects your child from types 6 and 11, which cause 90% of genital wart cases. Gardasil 9 protects against another 5 types of HPV (types 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58) that can also lead to cancer of the cervix, anus, vulva or vagina. The HPV vaccine protects all who receive it if given before exposure to the virus.
How does the HPV vaccine work?
The HPV vaccine works in a series of two or three shots to protect your child from HPV infections. The vaccine signals the body to produce antibodies that will bind to the virus if encountered and prevent it from infecting cells.
The vaccine is most effective when it is administered before your child encounters the virus. Therefore, the most effective way to prevent an HPV infection is for your child or teen to get vaccinated before having sex for the first time. However, if your child is already sexually active, they should still receive an HPV vaccine because condoms do not fully protect against HPV infections.
Who should get the HPV vaccine?
Anyone ages 9 to 45 of any gender can receive the vaccine. CHOC recommends that youth receive the vaccine around ages 11 or 12. It’s important to vaccinate your child, regardless of gender, for maximum protection.
Do boys need an HPV vaccination?
Yes. HPV can cause infections that lead to oral, anal and penile cancers and genital warts. The HPV vaccine can protect against these serious infections and diseases. Getting vaccinated will also help decrease the spread HPV to their sexual partners.
HPV Vaccination Schedule
The HPV vaccine is recommended for people starting from age 11 through age 26. The vaccine is given in a series of shots depending on age:
- Children ages 11-14 receive the vaccine in two shots over a six-to-12-month period.
- Teens and young adults ages 15-26 get the vaccine in three shots over six months.
The vaccine works best when the shots are given on time. Research has shown that younger people have a better immune response to the vaccine than those in their late teens and early 20s. It is important to talk with your child’s doctor to determine the correct dosing schedule, depending on your child’s age at the first dose or if your child is immunocompromised.
Is it safe to get the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine has been monitored for 15 years and has proven to be very safe and effective. The vaccine is not recommended if:
- Your child is moderately or severely ill. Colds and other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization.
- Your child has had a serious allergic reaction to a component of the vaccine or the first dose of the vaccine.
- Your child has a yeast allergy.
- Your child is pregnant (it is not recommended during pregnancy).
Side Effects of HPV Vaccine
The most common side effects of the HPV vaccine are usually minor and experienced with other routine vaccinations. Side effects can include:
- Mild fever
- Tenderness, swelling and/or redness at the injection site
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Like other vaccines, there is a rare chance of an allergic reaction. However, most people have no trouble with the vaccine.
What Does the HPV Vaccine Cost?
The HPV vaccine cost will vary depending on your insurance type. However, most insurance companies cover the vaccine. Make sure to check with your insurance provider to see the full coverage.
The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program helps families of eligible children access vaccines at no cost. Eligible children include adolescents ages 18 years or younger who are uninsured, Medicaid-eligible or American Indian/Alaska Native. Read more about the VFC.
Contact Your Doctor
It is important for your child to receive the HPV vaccine to protect them from cancerous diseases. Make an appointment today with a CHOC healthcare provider.
Myths about the HPV Vaccine
Myth 1: My child is too young. They don’t need the vaccine yet.
Some parents decline the HPV vaccine because they think they will have years until their child is sexually active. However, many parents don’t realize the vaccine is more effective the earlier it is given. Younger children have the best immune response to the vaccine.
Myth 2: You can only get HPV if you’re sexually active.
Although sexual intercourse is the most common way to get HPV, it is not the only way to get it. HPV can also be spread by non-sexual skin-to-skin contact.
It could take just one encounter to catch the virus, and most people who carry the virus have no symptoms and don’t realize they have it. Even those who are having protected intercourse can still catch HPV despite using a condom. Condoms do not cover all the genital skin.
Myth 3: Giving my child the HPV vaccine will make them sexually active.
Multiple studies have shown that giving this vaccine doesn’t increase rates of sexual activity in those patients compared to those who don’t receive it.
Myth 4: Getting the vaccine will guarantee my child does not contract HPV.
Most adults are likely to get HPV at some point in their lives. Some people clear it on their own, but others do not. The HPV vaccine prevents the nine strains of HPV most likely to lead to cancer. However, it is possible that your child could contract an HPV strain that the vaccine does not protect against.
Myth 5: HPV causes cervical cancer, so my son does not need the HPV vaccine.
HPV affects all genders. The HPV vaccine prevents oral, anal and penile cancer and warts in addition to preventing cervical cancer. Getting vaccinated will also help prevent them from passing it on to other partners, which can happen even in the absence of visible symptoms of HPV.
Myth 6: This vaccine is new, so it must not be safe enough to give my child.
The HPV vaccine was first administered in 2006. Before coming to market, it was studied for many years. Ongoing studies have tracked patients for years after receiving the vaccine, and it has been proven to be safe. The HPV vaccine is administered and studied all over the world.
Myth 7: My child doesn’t need the HPV vaccine. If they contract HPV, we’ll just treat it.
There is no good treatment for HPV. Some strains clear on their own, but others do not and can lead to various cancers. It’s better to get vaccinated and lower your risk of getting HPV in the first place.
Myth 8: Getting the HPV vaccine will affect my child’s fertility later in life.
Receiving the HPV vaccine will not affect fertility. However, contracting HPV can cause changes in the cervix which can later affect fertility.
Myth 9: People with HPV always show symptoms.
Most people with HPV do not know they are infected and never develop symptoms from it. This means that they can spread HPV unknowingly.
Myth 10: There are treatment options for HPV.
There is no treatment for the virus itself. However, there are treatments for health-related issues caused by HPV infections.
Frequently Asked Questions about the HPV Vaccine
How long does the HPV vaccine last?
Studies have shown that the HPV vaccine offers long-lasting protection. There is no data that has a set timeline for how long the vaccine protection lasts. The duration of protection continues to be monitored and studied.
Do those who’ve received the HPV vaccine still need to have Pap tests?
Yes. It is still important to get regular Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer. While the HPV vaccine protects against HPV strains most likely to cause cervical cancer, they can still contract a different strain or have been infected before receiving their vaccine.
Is the HPV vaccine mandatory for school?
Different states have different vaccine requirements for school enrollment. Currently, California does not require HPV vaccine for school enrollment.
Should my child get the HPV vaccination if they are not sexually active?
Yes, the vaccine has the best chance of protecting against the virus and cancer if your child gets the shots before becoming sexually active.
Can my child get the HPV vaccine if they are sexually active?
Even though it’s best if your child receives the vaccine before they are sexually active, they can still get it while being sexually active. If your child has come into contact with an HPV strain, the vaccine can protect them from other strains they haven’t encountered. Additionally, youth with a good immune system are likely to clear an HPV infection and will gain additional protection against reinfection with HPV strains that can cause warts and/or cancer.
Where can I get the HPV vaccine?
You can get the HPV vaccine at your primary care doctor’s office or a clinic near you. CHOC’s primary care offices offer vaccination appointments for children, adolescents and young adults.
Why does my child need a vaccine for a sexually transmitted infection?
The HPV vaccine works best when given at a young age, beginning at 11 years old. Research shows that younger people have a better immune response to the HPV vaccine than those in their late teens and early 20s. This is also the age for other standard vaccinations and when children are likely to be still getting regular medical check-ups.
The vaccine works best to prevent infection of nine types of HPV when it is received before exposure to the virus. So, it’s best to be vaccinated prior to sexual activity.