I’m a physician. Here are my patients’ most-asked questions about the HPV vaccine.

Katie Ryder, M.D., is a board-certified physician in internal medicine and pediatrics with the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, where she is also a co-chief of Adult and Family Medicine. She sees patients at the Kaiser Permanente Silver Spring Medical Center.  

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers—in large part because we have a safe and effective vaccine, the فيروس الورم الحليمي البشري (HPV) vaccine. This immunization protects against nine strains of HPV, a virus that’s the leading cause of سرطان عنق الرحم.

Even more reason to get the HPV vaccine: This immunization also protects against vaginal and vulvar cancers in women, penile cancer in men, anal cancers in men and women, and many oral and throat cancers in men and women. Yes—one vaccine can do all that!

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s a good time to talk to your health care provider or your child’s pediatrician about ensuring you are up to date on this important vaccine. As a physician board-certified in internal medicine and pediatrics who sees children and adults, I often field questions about HPV immunization. Here are the questions I get asked most often:

What is HPV and how does it spread?

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a contagious virus that has approximately 200 different strains. A few of these strains are responsible for the majority of HPV infections. HPV can cause genital warts in addition to at least six types of cancers—cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, and anal cancers, as well as oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils).

HPV is very common. While usually sexually transmitted through genital-to-genital contact, it can also spread without sexual intercourse. It can also spread from mother to infant during birth.

Is the HPV vaccine safe?

Yes! There is no live or killed HPV in the vaccine, so you cannot contract the virus from getting vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is newer than other childhood vaccines, but it was approved in 2006 after having gone through extensive testing and trials, and it has been proven to be safe and effective. Serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, are rare.

When should people be vaccinated?

Vaccinating children at a young age, when their immune response is strongest, gives them full protection before they encounter the virus. The vaccine is approved to give to children starting at age nine. Ideally, children will have both doses of the vaccine, at least six months apart, by their 13th birthday.

If you or your child missed this window, don’t panic! The HPV vaccine is still recommended for everyone through age 26. However, depending on whether a first dose was given and the person’s age, they may need three doses of vaccine. Your health care provider will guide you through dosing schedules and frequency.

If you are between ages 27-45 and haven’t been vaccinated against HPV, talk to your doctor about whether getting vaccinated is right for you. Your health care provider may inquire about your sexual activity, including the number of current or anticipated sexual partners.  Be honest: Your answers will help your doctor advise whether you should be vaccinated.

My child is so young! Do they really need a vaccine to protect against a sexually transmitted infection?

I recognize it can be difficult for parents to consider vaccinating their children against HPV. But ideally, they will be vaccinated when it is most effective—long before they encounter the virus. Our goal is for kids to be happy and healthy now and for decades to come, and vaccination plays a key role in protecting against cervical and other cancers later in life.

I have a son. Does my boy need this vaccine or is it really for girls?

The HPV vaccine protects against penile cancer, as well as cancers that can affect people regardless of gender, including anal cancer and many oral and throat cancers. Boys and girls alike should be vaccinated!  If you have any questions or concerns about the HPV vaccine, reach out to your child’s pediatrician or your own health care provider. They will be happy to guide you through best practices and dosing schedules, with a goal of keeping you and your family healthy. Vaccination = Better Outcomes, so schedule an appointment today to stop cancer before it starts.