This vaccine protects against cervical cancer and other diseases in women caused by specific strains of the genital human papillomavirus (HPV). This vaccine shields against four types of HPV, which cause 70 percent of cervical cancers. At least 50 percent of sexually active people living in the United States will contract HPV at some point during their lives.

Prevention is the key to not contracting human papillomavirus, and the most effective preventive method is the HPV vaccine.

Who should receive the HPV vaccine? The HPV vaccine currently is recommended for girls between the ages of 11 to 12 years. It can be given to girls who are as young as 9 years old. The HPV vaccine also is recommended for females between the ages of 13 to 26 years who have not received the vaccine. To be protected, three doses of the HPV vaccine should be given over a 6-month period. Review the vaccination schedule for those who start late on a vaccine or are more than one month behind.

When did the HPV vaccine become available?
The Food and Drug Administration licensed the HPV vaccine in 2006, and it has been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

How does someone become infected with HPV?
Genital HPV is passed through genital contact, most often during vaginal or anal sex.

How effective is the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is 100 percent effective in protecting against the four types of HPV causing most cervical cancers.

Vaccinated girls and women can develop cervical cancer from non-vaccine HPV types, so cervical cancer screenings still should be performed.

Are there any serious side effects of the HPV vaccine?
Serious risks from the HPV vaccine are quite rare as compared to the life-threatening risks associated with contracting HPV. The one mild side effect is injection site soreness.

How do I learn more about this vaccine?
The best person to ask about this or any vaccine is your child’s pediatrician or your primary health care provider. Your provider can answer your questions and give you more information on the HPV vaccine.

Immunization is the best thing you can do for your child  and yourself to protect against HPV.