I saw an 11-year-old girl recently for her well-child checkup. I encouraged her mom to give the 3 standard vaccines recommended for kids this age. These vaccines protect against HPV, meningitis and diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Her mom was hesitating about having her daughter get the HPV vaccine. \u201cWhy does she need it so early?\u201d<\/p>\n
After listening to a bit of the discussion based on the information below, the girl chimed in with, \u201cIt\u2019s not about sex mom\u2026It\u2019s about cancer!\u201d<\/p>\n
Yes, that\u2019s right. And – you\u2019re hired, kid!<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s look at the facts about the HPV vaccine:<\/p>\n
The vaccine is safe and it works!<\/strong> We\u2019ve seen a dramatic decrease in the numbers of HPV infections and cancers since the vaccine has been in use. We\u2019ve also seen no evidence that cancer protection from the vaccine decreases over time.<\/p>\n HPV infections are common.<\/strong> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that \u201cNearly 80 million Americans are currently infected with some type of HPV. About 14 million Americans, including teens, become infected each year.\u201d The virus is spread through skin-to-skin contact, often through sex with an infected person.<\/p>\n Sometimes HPV infection leads to cancer.<\/strong> Each year HPV causes 35,000 cases of cancer in men and women in the U.S. The cancers are of the mouth and throat, cervix, vagina, penis and anus. The HPV vaccine is given to prevent these cancers. It\u2019s recommended that all boys and girls get 2 doses of the HPV vaccine at ages 11 or 12. HPV vaccination can be started at age 9.\u00a0For the HPV vaccine to be most effective, the series should be given prior to exposure to HPV.<\/p>\n Why get the vaccine so early if HPV is spread through sex?<\/strong> There are a few important answers to that good question:<\/p>\n Is the vaccine safe?<\/strong> Yes! I have no doubt about that \u2013 and gave the vaccine to my 2 boys and my girl. I want all children to be protected as well as my own! Over 100 million doses have been given over more than 10 years with a great safety record<\/a>.<\/p>\n All of these facts? They\u2019re why the girl\u2019s mom chose to protect her smart daughter with the vaccine; HPV vaccination is cancer prevention.<\/p>\n Resources for Parents<\/strong><\/p>\n Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: American Academy of Pediatrics:\n
\nHPV<\/a><\/p>\n
\nVaccinating Your Preteen: Addressing Common Concerns<\/a><\/p>\n