Get Your Child the HPV Vaccine

All pre-teens need 2 doses of the HPV vaccine (shot) when they are age 11 or 12.

What is HPV?

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very common infection that can cause cancer. 

HPV infections can cause:

• Cervical cancer
• Cancer inside the vagina (vaginal cancer) or around the opening of the vagina (vulvar cancer)
• Cancer of the penis (penile cancer)
• Cancer of the anus (anal cancer)
• Cancer of the back of the throat (oropharyngeal cancer)
• It can also cause warts in the genital area.

The good news is that the HPV vaccine can prevent many of these diseases. Learn more about HPV.

When does my child need to get the HPV vaccine?

Doctors recommend that all children get 2 doses of the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12 years, but your child can get it as early as age 9 years. Doctors usually give the 2 doses 6 to 12 months apart.

Keep in mind that the HPV vaccine works best if your child gets it at the recommended age. And — like with other vaccines — kids have the best protection when they get all their doses on schedule.

What if my child is older than 12 years?

It’s not too late to protect your child. Teens who didn't get the HPV vaccine when they were younger can still get it now.

Teens ages 13 to 14 years need 2 doses 6 to 12 months apart — just like kids ages 11 to 12 years. Teens and adults who get their first dose of the vaccine after their 15th birthday will need 3 doses spread out over 6 months.

Young adults can get the HPV vaccine, too. Everyone can get the vaccine through age 26 years — and some adults ages 27 to 45 years may decide to get vaccinated after talking with their doctor. But it's still best for your child to get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12 years.

Is the HPV vaccine safe?

Yes, the vaccine is very safe. It's recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

For more information about the HPV vaccine, check out:

• HPV Vaccination
• Reasons to Get Vaccinated
• HPV: Resource for Parents
• HPV Vaccine Information for Young Women

What are the possible side effects of the HPV vaccine?

The most common side effects are pain, redness, or swelling near where the shot was given. Other common side effects are fever, nausea (upset stomach), headache, and feeling tired.

Some pre-teens and teens may faint after getting any vaccine, including the HPV vaccine. It's a good idea to have your child sit or lie down while getting the shot — and for 15 minutes afterward.

Keep in mind that the benefits of the HPV vaccine far outweigh the risk of side effects.