Human papillomavirus vaccinations facts

Fact 1: The HPV vaccine prevents certain cancers.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is known to cause cancers of the throat, cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, and anus. Studies show that the HPV vaccine provides close to 100% protection against infections and pre-cancers caused by certain types of HPV.

Fact 2: The HPV vaccination works best when given between ages 9 and 12.

Vaccines are used to help prevent diseases, so children are vaccinated before being exposed to an infection. Most people in the United States are exposed to HPV in their teens and early twenties, therefore, it is best to administer the vaccine between ages 9 and 12. The body also produces the most antibodies to HPV when the vaccine is given in this age range. Teens and young adults aged 13 through 26 who have not been vaccinated, or who have not completed the series, should get the vaccine as soon as possible. The American Cancer Society does not recommend HPV vaccination for anyone older than 26 years of age.

Fact 3: The HPV vaccine is for boys and girls.

The HPV vaccine is strongly recommended for boys and girls, as both can get HPV. In fact, HPV is so common that at least eight out of 10 people in the United States will come in contact with it at some point in their lives. Most HPV infections resolve without any health problems. However, there is no way to know when it will not, and an infection could lead to cancer.

Fact 4: The HPV vaccine is safe.

The HPV vaccine has been used since 2006 and went through extensive safety testing before becoming available. Scientists and health organizations around the world closely monitor HPV vaccine safety. In the United States, vaccine safety is watched by several national systems working together to make sure that any harmful side effects are found early.

More than 100 studies in millions of people worldwide have all shown that the HPV vaccine is safe. Like any vaccination, there may be common mild side effects, such as a headache or fever, that resolve quickly. Pain, redness, or swelling can be present at the injection site. A small number of people may have a more serious side effect, such as an allergic reaction or fainting when the vaccine is given.

Fact 5: The HPV vaccine does not contain harmful ingredients.

The ingredients in the HPV vaccine, like all vaccines, help make sure that it is effective and safe. These ingredients occur naturally in the environment, the human body, and foods. For example, the HPV vaccine contains aluminum like the hepatitis B and Tdap vaccines. Aluminum boosts the body’s immune response to the vaccine. People are exposed to aluminum every day through food, cooking utensils, water, and even breast milk.

Fact 6: The HPV vaccine can protect fertility.

There is no data to suggest that getting the HPV vaccine will affect a patient’s future fertility. Moreover, the HPV vaccine can help protect women from future fertility problems linked to cervical cancer and pre-cancer.

Fact 7: The HPV vaccine lasts a long time.

When a child gets the HPV vaccine, the body will make proteins called antibodies that fight the virus. Antibodies give strong and long-lasting protection.

Fact 8: Most children in the United States can get the HPV vaccine for little or no cost.

Most insurance plans will cover the HPV vaccine cost if it is given according to national guidelines, between ages 9 and 26.

For children and teens who do not have insurance, the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program covers vaccine costs, including the HPV vaccine. The VFC program provides free vaccines to children and teens until 18 years of age, who are Medicaid-eligible, American Indian, Alaska Native, underinsured, or uninsured. 

The VFC program also allows children and teens to get VFC vaccines through federally qualified health centers or rural health centers.