HPV is an abbreviation for human papillomavirus. There are about 100 types of HPV viruses and some of them can cause cancer. Roughly, 14 million people get the infection each year. HPV infection is asymptomatic, meaning there are no symptoms.
The HPV vaccine is cancer prevention for your child. It is the only vaccine available to prevent six types of cancer. The vaccine is given as a shot, in two doses, six months apart. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends boys and girls should get the vaccine starting at age 9 so they’re protected before they are ever exposed to the human papillomavirus virus or HPV. They should be vaccinated to protect them from future cancers including cervical cancer and cancer of the throat, tongue, and tonsils. Side effects may include redness or tenderness at the injection site and possibly a low-grade fever or nausea. These are very similar to side effects that can be experienced with other vaccines or medications. It’s important to point out that the long-term protection against cancer far outweighs any potential risk of short-term side effects.
The FDA approved the HPV vaccine in 2006. The vaccine has been proven safe and effective in preventing HPV related cancers. Serious side effects are rare. As your kids grow up, you can’t protect them from everything. But you can protect them from six types of cancer with the HPV vaccination.
Talk with your child’s doctor or visit cancer.utah.gov/hpv for more information.
