HPV is a common virus that almost everybody will be infected with at some point in their lives. In South Carolina, HPV causes over 580 new cancers every year. Fortunately, the HPV vaccine can prevent approximately 90% of these HPV cancers.
What is HPV?
HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is spread through skin-to-skin contact and can be contracted vaginally, anally, or orally. This virus causes cancers of the:
• Cervix, vagina and vulva in women
• Back of the throat (oropharyngeal cancer) in both men and women
• Anus in both women and men
• Penis in men
Why should my child get the HPV vaccine?
85% of sexually active individuals will contract the virus in their lifetime. Around 13 million Americans, including teens, are infected each year. Most HPV infections do go away on their own but infections that don’t, can be the cause of certain cancers. Since the vaccination has been in use, HPV infections, genital warts, and cervical precancers have dropped by 88% among teen girls and 81% among young adult women.
Of the different types of cancers that HPV causes, only cervical cancer can be detected early with a screening test. Other cancers may not be able to be detected until they are more serious. With HPV, prevention is a much better option than treatment.
When should I vaccinate my child?
The HPV vaccine is recommended for adolescents at age 11 or 12, and the vaccine can be given as early as age 9. The HPV vaccine is also recommended for everyone through the age of 26 who didn’t get the vaccine at the recommended age.
The HPV vaccine is given as a series. Adolescents who get the fist vaccine dose before age 15 will only need two doses. If the vaccine series is started at age 15 or older, three doses are needed. It is best to receive HPV vaccination as early as possible to provide protection before coming into contact with the virus.
Is the HPV vaccine safe?
Yes! More than 135 million doses have been distributed in the US. The vaccine has a safety record that is backed by more than 15 years of research. Like any medicine you may take, there can be some short-term side effects. Most people who receive the vaccine have reported experiencing no side effects. The most common side effects from the vaccine are experiencing a mildly sore arm and tenderness at the site of delivery. Less common side effects include fever, tiredness, headache and dizziness.
Will insurance cover the cost?
Most health insurance plans will cover the cost of the vaccine. For those who may not have access to health insurance, Vaccines for Children (VFC), is a program that helps families with children to receive access to vaccines. The program provides access to vaccines for children 18 and under at no cost. https://scdhec.gov/health/health-public-health-clinics for a list of all SCDHEC public health clinics offering a range of vaccinations to the public.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, September 9). Safety information for HPV vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/vaccines/hpv-vaccine.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, November 10). Reasons to get HPV vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine/six-reasons.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, August 16). HPV vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine-for-hpv.html
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, October 12). HPV infection. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hpv-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20351596
- South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. (2019). Public Health Clinics. South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. https://scdhec.gov/health/health-public-health-clinics
Authors
Abigail Ramella, Extension Rural Health and Nutrition Program Team Intern
Rhonda Matthews, M.Ed. Extension Rural Health and Nutrition Program Team Director
