By the time children reach 11 or 12 years old, they have received many routine vaccinations required for school. However, there is one vaccine that may not be required — yet it is one of the most powerful cancer-prevention tools we have: the HPV vaccine.
What Is HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is not a single virus — it is a group of more than 150 related viruses that infect the skin and the moist surfaces of the body, including:
- The cervix
- Vagina and vulva
- Penis
- Anus and rectum
- Mouth and throat (including the base of the tongue and tonsils)
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, with nearly all sexually active males and females getting exposed to the virus at some point in their lives.
While many infections clear on their own, certain strains can persist and lead to genital warts as well as a variety of cancers. There is currently no cure for HPV infection. Vaccination is our best and only tool to prevent many of these cancers before they start.
Why the HPV Vaccine Matters So Much
The HPV vaccine is unique because it is a cancer-prevention vaccine since there is no cure for HPV.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the vaccine demonstrates greater than 99% effectiveness in preventing when given before exposure. Two doses, given six months apart, are recommended for all children ages 9-14. Three doses are recommended for those ages 15-26, and some adults up to age 45 may choose vaccination after discussing risk with their physician.
The vaccine:
- Prevents the majority of cervical cancers
- Protects against several other HPV-related cancers in both males and females
- Prevents most genital warts
- Is safe and FDA-approved
Addressing Common Concerns
Many parents understandably have questions.
“My child isn’t sexually active. Why vaccinate now?”
- The vaccine works best before exposure to HPV.
- The immune response is stronger at ages 11–12 than later in life.
- Waiting until sexual activity begins reduces the vaccine’s protective benefit.
“Isn’t HPV only a concern for girls?”
- HPV causes cancers in both males and females.
- Boys can develop throat, anal, and penile cancers linked to HPV.
- Vaccinating boys also helps reduce transmission overall.
The HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and a powerful tool for preventive health, and your child’s pediatrician can help guide you in making it part of a personalized plan for lifelong health.
Dr. Gilbert Herzberg is a pediatrician at White Plains Hospital Physician Associates and sees patients at 750 White Plains Road in Scarsdale. To schedule an appointment, call 914-974-5437.