HPV and other vaccines: Keeping your child healthy this school year

For most families, back-to-school means it’s time to head back to the doctor. The start of the school year is a helpful reminder to bring your child for a visit with their health care provider to get an annual physical and address any health concerns.

For kids and teens, it’s also a good time to get vaccinated. Your state may even require your kids be up to date on certain vaccines before they can attend school. Check with your children’s school or health care provider, or your state health department, to find out which vaccinations are required.

Making sure your kids’ vaccinations are up to date is the best way to protect them from serious diseases, including cancer, and protect those who can’t be vaccinated due to compromised immune systems, allergies, or other reasons.

What is the HPV vaccine and who should be vaccinated?

This vaccine can protect against the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus linked to cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal and oropharyngeal cancers (oropharyngeal cancer is cancer of the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils).

All kids (both boys and girls) ages 9-12 should get the HPV vaccine. The vaccine is required in some states: Hawaii, Rhode Island, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

When given as recommended, the HPV vaccine can prevent more than 90% of HPV-related cancers. Getting vaccinated at this age provides the best protection possible for your child.

Are vaccines safe for my child?

Yes! In the U.S., vaccines go through three phases of clinical trials to make sure they are safe and effective before they are approved. There is no live HPV in the vaccine, so your child cannot contract the virus from being vaccinated. If you have any concerns about a vaccine, please ask your child’s health care provider—most are happy to talk to you about any associated risks and benefits of getting vaccinated.

How often will my child need to be vaccinated against HPV?

The HPV vaccine is given in two or three shots, depending on the child’s age at the start of the vaccine series. If your child gets vaccinated at their annual physical, they’ll have to return once or twice more to complete the vaccination series. Once they have completed their vaccination series, they’ll be all set—they do not have get vaccinated or boosted against HPV again.

What if my child is behind on their HPV vaccine?

If your child has missed a vaccine, don’t worry―teens and young adults up to age 26 can get a catch-up vaccine. Talk to your child’s health care provider to get back on track.

What other vaccines do my kids need?

Download the Guide to Children’s Vaccinations to learn more about vaccines for your kids and talk to your child’s health care provider if you have any questions.

To learn more about the link between viruses and cancer, visit preventcancer.org/virus.