Protecting our daughters and sons: Why the HPV vaccine matters for all children

This article was originally published on Successful Black Parenting as a partnership with the Prevent Cancer Foundation.

Most parents spend years preparing their children for the world. We teach them how to advocate for themselves, be confident, stay alert, and make wise choices. But one of the most meaningful acts of protection happens quietly, long before risks ever show up. The HPV vaccine is one of those moments where 预防 today protects the future our children deserve.

Protecting them today helps them thrive tomorrow. The HPV vaccine is a simple step that supports a lifetime of health for your child.

Keeping the Future in Mind

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is ubiquitous and often invisible. Most people who get it never show symptoms, and it is typically spread through skin-to-skin contact. The concern comes from the few strains that linger and can lead to cancers later in life, including cervical, throat, anal, penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. Instead of waiting for problems to appear years down the road, the HPV vaccine stops the highest-risk strains before they ever cause harm. This is long-term protection. It is an investment in your child’s future, even while they are still learning multiplication tables.

Protection for Both Boys and Girls

Initially, conversations around HPV focused mainly on girls. Today, we know that boys are also vulnerable, facing risks for throat, anal, and penile cancers linked to the virus. When we widen the conversation, we widen protection. Vaccination is not about “who needs it more.” It is about making sure every child has the same safeguards, the same chance at lifelong health, and the same protection long before any risk appears.

Why Doctors Recommend Starting Early

Parents often wonder why doctors recommend the HPV vaccine starting as young as age nine. It’s best to be vaccinated against the virus before being exposed to it.

Dr. Hawa Forkpa, a board-certified pediatrician at the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group/Kaiser Permanente, explains that the vaccine is “almost 100 percent effective in preventing infections and precancerous findings caused by covered strains if given before exposure.” She notes that it is “well studied, monitored, and continues to demonstrate both safety and efficacy.”

The earlier the vaccine is given, the better protection for your child. Most children who begin the HPV vaccine series between the ages of nine and 12 only need two doses. Older teens who start the series at age 15 or older, as well as immunocompromised children, may need three doses. Knowing this helps parents plan ahead to make sure their children receive the full protection the vaccine can offer.

A New Way to Think About Health Protection

Wellness checkups usually focus on what is happening right now. Vision screenings. Growth charts. School forms.

The HPV vaccine is different. It is a moment when parents step into the future and protect the adult their child will someday become. If your pediatrician does not bring up the HPV vaccine, you can ask about it.

Your child is unlikely to feel any different after receiving it. Any side effects are the same as those of most vaccines. They can still go to school, play video games, and play sports. In the future, this choice may protect your child from a cancer that is preventable today.

Why This Matters for Black Families

Black families have historically faced barriers in health care that lead to more later-stage diagnoses and higher cancer death rates. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these disparities are linked to unequal access to 筛查, delayed follow-up care, and systemic inequities. Preventive steps, such as the HPV vaccine, help close these gaps early. Instead of reacting to inequalities after the fact, this vaccine gives our children a head start in protection. Prevention becomes a form of empowerment. It ensures our children are not left vulnerable. Giving Black children strong protection before any risk appears is not just medical care. It is advocacy. It is equity in action.

For families who want to learn more at home, the 预防癌症基金会® offers a children’s vaccination guide that explains the basics of what immunizations your child needs. Parents may find it helpful to peruse the guide before scheduling an appointment with their child’s doctor.

Protecting Their Future Starts Today

The HPV vaccine is one of the few tools that can prevent several types of cancer before they ever begin. It is safe, effective, and provides our daughters and sons with an important layer of protection as they grow into adulthood.

Taking this step now is a powerful act of love. It is one more way to support the future you want for your child.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your child’s doctor or qualified healthcare provider about any medical concerns.