Learn How You Can Protect Your Child with the HPV Vaccine

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is common. Very common. In fact, eight out of ten Americans will get HPV at some point in their lives. Of those, almost 35,000 of them will develop an HPV cancer each year. While there is currently no treatment for HPV, a vaccine can prevent it.

The American Cancer Society recommends that children get the HPV vaccine between the ages of 9 and 12. Teens and young adults through age 26 who are not already vaccinated should get the HPV vaccine as soon as possible. Teens who start the series late may need three shots instead of two.

Research shows that the vaccine is safe, effective, and long lasting and can prevent more than 90% of HPV cancers when given at the recommended ages.  

The vaccine is most effective in early adolescence, but the effectiveness for cancer prevention starts to decrease by age 18. Therefore, it is not recommended for persons older than 26 years of age for several reasons, including the fact that people in this age range have often already been exposed to HPV. However, some adults, ages 27 through 45, might decide to get the HPV vaccine based on discussions with their clinician. Most notably, if they were not adequately vaccinated when they were younger.

If you did not get the vaccine, it is very important to stay on top of screenings for HPV-related cancers.

If your child is between ages 9 and 12, talk to their doctor about the HPV vaccine. Vaccinating your child at the recommended ages can help keep them healthy well into adulthood and is the best way to prevent HPV cancer later in life.

Rebecca Hewson-Steller, RN, CN-BN is an oncology nurse at the Dartmouth Health Cancer Center at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.