HPV, which stands for human papillomavirus, includes more than 150 related viruses. Spread by sexual contact, HPV is very common; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 9 in 10 people will get an HPV infection at some point in their lives.
The HPV vaccine is important for preventing common HPV strains that lead to many types of cancer.
Make an informed decision about the HPV shot. Move past the myths with these facts:
Myth: Only girls need to be vaccinated for HPV.
Fact: Since HPV can cause genital warts and several types of cancer in women and men, the HPV vaccine is recommended for both boys and girls. For men and women, HPV can cause cancers of the mouth, throat or anus. It also can lead to cancers of the cervix, vagina or vulva in women.
Myth: The HPV vaccine is too new to know whether it’s safe.
Fact: Before any new vaccine comes to market, it has been extensively tested to make sure that it’s safe and effective. Side effects may include soreness at the injection site or fainting after getting the shot. For detailed information about the safety of the HPV vaccine, visit the CDC website.
Myth: HPV usually causes symptoms.
Fact: Most people don’t know they have HPV precisely because usually there are no symptoms. Women generally find out through an abnormal Pap test; men often don’t know that they have the virus and are passing it on.
Myth: My children don’t need the HPV vaccine because they’re not sexually active, and won’t be anytime soon.
Fact: Timing the vaccination well before children become sexually active can better prevent them from getting and transmitting HPV. The HPV vaccine is given as a three-shot series over six months starting at age 9.
Who needs the HPV Shot?
The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls, men and women ages 9-26. However, in some cases, your doctor may recommend getting HPV vaccines up to age 45.
