Debunking myths about HPV in the Black community
This article was originally published on Successful Black Parenting as a partnership with the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
Parents hear a lot of mixed messages about the HPV vaccine. But the science is clear: this vaccine helps prevent several types of cancer. The مؤسسة الوقاية من السرطان® shares that increasing HPV vaccination rates can protect against at least six types of cancer, saving thousands of lives each year. Knowing the facts helps parents make informed choices that protect our children today and in the future.
Below are the most common myths about HPV and the truths every parent needs to know.
Myth 1: “HPV affects only girls.”
Reality: HPV can affect anyone. Boys can carry the virus and are also at risk for cancers linked to HPV, including throat and penile cancer. Protecting our sons is just as important as protecting our daughters. The vaccine isn’t just for girls; it’s for everyone’s protection.
Myth 2: “The vaccine causes health problems.”
Reality: That rumor simply isn’t true. The HPV vaccine went through years of testing before it ever reached the public, and doctors continue to study its safety today. Millions of people worldwide receive it safely every year. People may feel soreness in the arm or be a little tired afterward. HPV is the real danger because it can cause several types of cancer if left untreated.
Myth 3: “My child is too young for this conversation.”
Reality: The HPV vaccine works best before children are ever exposed to the virus. Doctors recommend giving it between the ages of nine and 12, when kids build the strongest protection. This isn’t a sex talk, it’s a safety talk. It’s just like teaching a child to look both ways before crossing the street—it’s about prevention and protecting them early.
“The vaccine is well studied, monitored, and continues to demonstrate both safety and efficacy with no links to increased risky behavior or fertility problems or health issues,” said Dr. Hawa Forkpa, a board-certified pediatrician at the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group/Kaiser Permanente. “The HPV vaccine is most effective when given early; that’s why we recommend starting at age nine and above for a strong immune response in just two doses.”
Myth 4: “Vaccines aren’t for us.”
Reality: This idea harms our community. Black families face higher rates of HPV-related cancers, not because of biology, but because of lower vaccination rates and limited access to preventive care. Choosing vaccination changes that story. When parents take action, they help close health gaps and build stronger, healthier communities for the next generation.
Some parents still wonder whether the HPV vaccine is too new or if long-term effects exist. This vaccine has more than 18 years of safety data behind it and continues to show strong protection against cancer. Leading health organizations, including the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the World Health Organization, suggest it as a standard part of childhood preventive care.
If doubts remain, talk with your child’s doctor. A good healthcare partnership includes asking questions and receiving clear, factual answers without pressure.
Building Confidence in Prevention
Every parent wants their child to grow up healthy and confident. Prevention is a key part of that journey. The HPV vaccine helps stop certain cancers before they ever start. Making informed choices means parents are not just protecting their own families; they are helping protect friends, classmates, and the wider community.
Taking this step sends the message that our children deserve every chance to live long, healthy lives. Prevention should not be fear-based; it should be future-based.
Trusted Messengers and Next Steps
Parents do not have to make these decisions alone. Talk to your pediatrician or family doctor about the HPV vaccine and the schedule that works best for your child. Visit trusted sources such as the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Guide to Children’s Vaccinations and the CDC’s HPV Resource Center for up-to-date information and answers to common questions.
Protecting our children’s health is one of the best things we can do as parents. When we focus on prevention, share the truth, and look out for one another, we build a stronger, healthier community for the next generation.
Be sure to talk with your child’s doctor about the HPV vaccine. Ask if your child is due for it and get the facts straight from a trusted source. Their future health starts with one honest conversation.