HPV vaccination is recommended for preteen girls and boys at age 11 to 12.
If your son or daughter hasn’t started or finished the HPV vaccine series yet, it’s not too late! Now is a good time to ask their doctor or nurse about vaccines for your preteens and teens.
HPV is short for human papillomavirus. In the U.S. each year, there are 32,500 women and men affected by HPV cancers. In both women and men, HPV can cause anal cancer and mouth/throat (oropharyngeal) cancer. It can also cause cancers of the cervix, vulva and vagina in women, and cancer of the penis in men. Most of the HPV infections that cause these cancers could be prevented with vaccination.
HPV vaccination has a reassuring safety record backed by more than 10 years of monitoring and research. More than 100 million doses have been distributed in the U.S. since the vaccine was introduced, and no serious safety concerns have been linked to HPV vaccination. Possible side effects after HPV vaccination are generally mild and go away quickly, such as pain, redness or swelling in the arm where the shot was given.
Jacquelyn, a real-life mother of two and cervical cancer survivor, shares her story:
When I got a Pap test after my son was born, I found out I had cancer and needed a total hysterectomy.
My husband and I have been together for 15 years and we were planning to have more children. We are so grateful for our two wonderful children, but we were hoping for more – which is not going to happen now.
Although they caught the cancer early, I still have medical issues, taking time away from my family, my friends and my job.
Worse, every time the doctor calls, I hold my breath until I get the results. Cancer is always in the back of my mind.
I will protect my son and daughter by getting them both the HPV vaccine as soon as they turn 11. I tell everyone to get the HPV vaccine series to protect themselves from cancer.
For more information about vaccines recommended for preteens, visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/diseases/index.html
Are you a provider interested in learning more about recommending the HPV Vaccine to patients and parents? Join us in Starke on September 6th for Boosting HPV Vaccinations in Rural Florida and check out our resources on our NAO HPV landing page.
