HPV Vaccine Information for Parents: What to Know

A person receiving a shot in the upper arm.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus. It is contagious, which means that it spreads from person to person through skin-to-skin or sexual contact. There are many types of HPV viruses.

Genital or mucosal HPV can cause warts in the genitals
Cutaneous or nonmucosal HPV can cause warts on the hands or feet.

Some genital HPV types may cause cancer.

Your child can get a shot, also called a vaccine, to help prevent the HPV types that can cause cancer, genital warts, or warts near the opening of the butt (anus). the shot is safe and effective. Getting the vaccine before your child is sexually active gives them the best protection from HPV through adulthood.

What actions can I take to lower my child's risk for HPV?

Have your child get the HPV vaccine before they become sexually active. The best time to get the shot is at around 11–12 years old. The vaccine may be given to children as young as 9 years old.

If your child gets the vaccine before they are 15 years old, it can be given as 2 shots, 6–12 months apart. In some cases, 3 shots are needed.

What are the risks and benefits of the HPV vaccine?

Benefits

Getting the vaccine can help prevent certain cancers. These include:

Mouth or throat cancer.
Anal cancer.
Cancers of the cervix, vulva, and vagina in females.
Penile cancer in males.

Your child is less likely to get these cancers if they get the vaccine before they become sexually active.

The vaccine also prevents genital warts caused by HPV.

Risks

In rare cases, side effects and reactions have been reported. These include:

Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
Dizziness or fainting.
Fever.
Headache.
Muscle or joint pain.

Who should not get the HPV vaccine or wait to get it?

Some children should not get the HPV vaccine or should wait to get it.

Ask the health care provider if your child should get the vaccine if:

Your child has had a severe allergic reaction to other vaccines.
Your child is allergic to yeast.
Your child has a fever.
Your child has had a recent illness.
Your child is pregnant or may be pregnant.

Where to find more information

To learn more:

Go to cdc.gov
- Click "Health Topics."
- Type "HPV" in the search box.
Go to healthychildren.org
- Type "HPV" in the search box.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.