What is HPV?

Human Papillomavirus
A Parent’s Guide
to Preteen and Teen
HPV Vaccination
� The vaccine produces better immu-
nity to fight infection when given at
younger ages compared with older
ages.
� Vaccination for HPV is much more
effective at preventing disease and
cancer if all three doses are administered before someone’s first sexual
contact.
� Most American men and women
who become sexually active will contract at least one type of HPV virus
in their lifetime. Vaccination can
reduce their risk of HPV infection.
� Most people who become infected
with HPV do not even know it.
� HPV is easily spread by skin-to-skin
contact during sexual activity. Even
if someone does not have sexual
intercourse, they can still get HPV.
� People who choose to have only
one lifetime sex partner can still get
HPV if their partner has had previous partners who were infected.
� Both vaccines have been tested in
thousands of people around the
world and have been proven to have
no serious side effects.
� Both vaccines are highly effective
against HPV types that cause most
cervical cancers; one of the vaccines,
Gardasil, also protects against 90
percent of HPV-associated genital
warts.
What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common family of viruses that causes infection of
the skin or mucous membranes of various areas of the body. There are over 100 different types of HPV viruses. Different types of HPV infection affect different areas of
the body. For instance, some types of HPV cause warts in the genital area and other
types can lead to abnormal cells on the cervix, vulva, anus, penis, mouth, and throat,
sometimes leading to cancer.
Vaccine Information
for Parents
Why vaccinate against HPV
at 11 or 12 years of age?
HPV
How common is HPV?
HPV is very common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), most sexually active American men and women will contract at least one type
of HPV virus during their lifetime. HPV is considered the most common sexually
transmitted disease in the United States. It is the cause of almost all cervical cancers
in women and has been linked to the rise of oral cancers in young people in the
United States.
How serious is HPV?
HPV is extremely serious. Approximately 79 million Americans are currently infected
with HPV, and about 14 million more become infected each year. In the United
States, there are around 12,000 new cervical cancer cases diagnosed annually, and
4,000 women die from cervical cancer every year. Men are affected too. Around 7,000
HPV-associated cancer cases occur in American men each year.
How is HPV spread?
The most common ways to get an HPV infection is from vaginal or anal sex with an
infected person; however, this is NOT the only way to get HPV. Infection can also
be acquired from oral sex and any skin-to-skin contact with areas infected by HPV. It is
possible to have HPV and not know it, so a person can unknowingly spread HPV to
another person.
continued on page 2 �
Technical content reviewed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Immunization Action Coalition St. Paul, Minnesota • 651- 647- 9009 • www.vaccineinformation.org • www.immunize.org
www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4250.pdf • Item #P4250 (11/13)
| PAGE 49
A Parents Guide to Preteen and Teen HPV Vaccination (continued)
Resources for more information
page 2 of 2
Can HPV infection be treated?
� CDC’s information on vaccines
There is no treatment for HPV infection; there are only treatments available for the health
problems that HPV can cause, such as genital warts, cervical changes, and cervical cancer.
In some cases, the body fights off the virus naturally. In cases where the virus cannot
be fought off naturally, the body is at risk for serious complications, including cancer.
� Immunization Action Coalition’s
What is HPV vaccine?
� Your healthcare provider or local
health department
and immunization: www.cdc.gov/
vaccines
vaccine information website: www.
vaccineinformation.org
� Vaccine Education Center at the
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia:
www.chop.edu/vaccine
Vaccine Information
for Parents
� CDC’s Vaccines For Children (VFC)
program: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
programs/vfc/index.html
sources
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Committee on Adolescent Health
Care. Fact Sheet: Human Papillomavirus.
■ www.acog.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC). National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. HPV and Cancer.
■ www.cdc.gov/hpv/cancer.html
http://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/cancer.html
CDC. National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic
Infectious Diseases. Vaccine Safety: Human
Papillomavirus Vaccine. ■ http://www.cdc.gov/
www.cdc.gov/vaccine
vaccinesafety/vaccines/hpv-vaccine.html
safety/Vaccines/HPV/index.html
CDC. National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. Genital HPV Infection Fact Sheet. ■ www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/
http://www.cdc.gov/hpv/
STDFact-HPV.htm
CDC. National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. HPV Vaccine-Questions and
Answers. ■ www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/hpv/
vac-faqs.htm
CDC. National Center for Immunization and
Respiratory Diseases. Preteens and Teens Need
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/
Vaccines Too! ■ www.cdc.gov/Features/Preteen
PreteenVaccines/index.html
Vaccines
Reduction in human papillomavirus (HPV)
prevalence among young women following HPV
vaccine introduction in the United States, National
Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 20032010. J Infect Dis. 2013 Aug 1; 208(3):385-93.
Related press release: ■ www.cdc.gov/media/
releases/2013/p0619-hpv-vaccinations.html
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There are two HPV vaccines licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and
recommended by CDC: Cervarix and Gardasil. Both vaccines protect against cervical
cancers in women. One vaccine, Gardasil, also protects against genital warts and
cancers of the anus, vagina, and vulva. Both vaccines are available for females. Only
Gardasil is available for males. HPV vaccines are given in three shots over six months;
it is important to get all three doses to get the best protection.
At what age should my son or daughter get HPV vaccine?
Routine vaccination with three doses of HPV vaccine is recommended for all 11- and
12-year-old boys and girls. The vaccines can be given as early as 9 years of age. If your
son or daughter did not receive the three doses of vaccine at the recommended age,
they should still start or complete their HPV vaccine series. Your son can be given the
vaccine through the age of 21, and your daughter can be given the vaccine through
the age of 26. Check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date
with HPV vaccination.
For HPV vaccine to work best, it is very important for preteens to get all three doses
before any sexual activity begins. It is possible to get infected with HPV the very first
time they have sexual contact with another person, even if they do not have intercourse.
Also, the vaccine produces better immunity to fight infection when given at the younger
ages compared to the older ages.
Are HPV vaccines safe?
HPV vaccines have been shown to be very safe. Every vaccine used in the United States
is required to go through rigorous safety testing before licensure by the FDA. Both
HPV vaccines have been extensively tested in clinical trials with more than 28,000 male
and female participants. Since the first HPV vaccine was licensed for use in 2006, more
than 50 million doses of HPV vaccine have been distributed in the United States. Now
in routine use, these vaccines are continually monitored for safety.
In the years of HPV vaccine safety monitoring, no serious safety concerns have been
identified. Like other vaccinations, most side effects from HPV vaccination are mild,
including fever, headache, and pain and redness in the arm where the shot was given.
Are HPV vaccines effective?
The vaccines have been shown to be highly effective in protecting against the HPV
types targeted by the vaccines. A study looking at HPV infections in girls and women
before and after the introduction of HPV vaccines shows a significant reduction in
vaccine-type HPV in U.S. teens since the vaccine was introduced.
Adapted from a publication developed by the Michigan Department of Community Health, Division of Immunization
Immunization Action Coalition St. Paul, Minnesota • 651- 647- 9009 • www.vaccineinformation.org • www.immunize.org
www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4250.pdf • Item #P4250 (11/13)
PAGE 50 |
| DISEASES and the VACCINES THAT PREVENT THEM |
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
HPV Vaccine for Preteens and Teens
Last updated JULY 2015
This vaccine is for protection from most of the cancers
caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV
is a very common virus that spreads between people when
they have sexual contact with another person. About 14
million people, including teens, become infected with
HPV each year. HPV infection can cause cervical, vaginal,
and vulvar cancers in women and penile cancer in men.
HPV can also cause anal cancer, throat cancer, and genital
warts in both men and women.
When should my child be vaccinated?
The HPV vaccine is recommended for preteen boys and
girls at age 11 or 12 so they are protected before ever being
exposed to the virus. HPV vaccine also produces a higher
immune response in preteens than in older adolescents. If
your teen hasn’t gotten the vaccine yet, talk to their doctor
about getting it for them as soon as possible.
HPV vaccination is a series of shots given over several
months. The best way to remember to get your child all
of the shots they need is to make an appointment for the
remaining shots before you leave the doctor’s office or
clinic.
What else should I know about HPV vaccine?
Girls need HPV vaccination to prevent HPV infections
that can cause cancers of the anus, cervix, vagina, vulva,
and the mouth/throat area. Boys need HPV vaccination to
prevent HPV infections that can cause cancers of the anus,
penis, and the mouth/throat area. HPV vaccination can
also prevent genital warts.
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HPV vaccines have been studied very carefully. These
studies showed no serious safety concerns. Common, mild
adverse events (side effects) reported during these studies
include pain in the arm where the shot was given, fever,
dizziness and nausea.
Some preteens and teens might faint after getting the HPV
vaccine or any shot. Preteens and teens should sit or lie
down when they get a shot and stay like that for about 15
minutes after the shot. This can help prevent fainting and
any injury that could happen while fainting.
Serious side effects from the HPV vaccine are rare. It is
important to tell the doctor or nurse if your child has any
severe allergies, including an allergy to latex or yeast. HPV
vaccine is not recommended for anyone who is pregnant.
Vaccine Information
for Parents
Why does my child need HPV vaccine?
HPV vaccination is recommended by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American
Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy
of Pediatrics, and the Society for Adolescent Health and
Medicine.
How can I get help paying for these vaccines?
The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines
for children ages 18 years and younger, who are not insured,
Medicaid-eligible, American Indian or Alaska Native. You
can find out more about the VFC program by going online to
www.cdc.gov and typing VFC in the search box.
Where can I learn more?
For more information about HPV vaccines and the other
vaccines for preteens and teens, talk to your child’s doctor
or nurse. More information is also available on CDC’s
Vaccines for Preteens and Teens website at
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/who/teens/index.html
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/teens.
U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
| PAGE 51
| ENFERMEDADES y las VACUNAS QUE LAS PREVIENEN |
INFORMACIÓN PARA LOS PADRES
La vacuna contra el VPH para preadolescentes y adolescentes
Actualizado en junio de 2014
¿Por qué mi hijo/hija necesita la vacuna VPH?
Vaccine Information
for Parents
Esta vacuna protege contra la mayoría de los cánceres causados
por la infección del virus del papiloma humano (VPH o HPV,
por sus siglas en inglés). El VPH es un virus muy común que se
contagia entre las personas cuando tienen contacto sexual con
otra persona. Cada año, alrededor de 14 millones de personas,
incluyendo a los adolescentes, se infectan con el VPH. La infección
por el VPH puede causar cánceres del cuello del útero, de vagina y
de vulva en las mujeres y cáncer del pene en los hombres. El VPH
también puede causar cáncer anal, cáncer de la garganta y verrugas
genitales tanto en los hombres como en las mujeres.
¿Cuándo se debe vacunar mi hijo/hija?
Se recomienda que los preadolescentes, tanto varones como
mujeres, se pongan la vacuna contra el VPH a la edad de 11 o 12
años de modo que queden protegidos antes de que se expongan
al virus. La vacuna contra el VPH también produce una
respuesta inmunitaria más intensa en los preadolescentes que
en los adolescentes mayores. Si su adolescente no se haya puesto
la vacuna todavía, hable con su médico para que se la pongan lo
más pronto posible.
La vacuna contra el VPH se administra en 3 dosis. La segunda
dosis se debe poner 1 o 2 meses después de la primera y la tercera
dosis se debe administrar 6 meses después de la primera.
¿Qué más debo saber sobre la vacuna contra
el VPH?
Hay dos vacunas contra el VPH. Las niñas entre 11 o 12 años de
edad) y las mujeres jóvenes entre 13 y 26 años se deben poner
cualquiera de ellas para prevenir el cáncer del cuello del útero.
Una de las vacunas también protege contra las verrugas genitales
y el cáncer anal tanto en las mujeres como en los hombres. Los
niños deben ponerse esta vacuna VPH para prevenir el cáncer
anal y las verrugas genitales. Las niñas se pueden poner esta
vacuna para prevenir el cáncer del cuello del útero, el cáncer anal
y las verrugas genitales.
inyección, fiebre, mareos y náusea.
Algunos preadolescentes y adolescentes se pueden desmayar
luego de recibir la vacuna contra el VPH o cualquier otra vacuna.
Los preadolescentes y los adolescentes se deben sentar o recostar
cuando se les pone la vacuna y quedarse así por alrededor de
15 minutos después de recibir la inyección. Esto puede ayudar
a prevenir los desmayos o cualquier otra lesión que les podría
ocurrir al desmayarse.
Los efectos secundarios graves de la vacuna contra el VPH son
raros. Es importante decirle al doctor o el enfermero de su hijo si
tiene alguna alergia severa, entre ellas, alergia contra el látex o la
levadura. No se recomienda poner la vacuna contra el VPH a las
mujeres que están embarazadas.
Los Centros pare el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades
(CDC, por sus siglas en inglés), la Academia Estadounidense de
Médicos de Familia, la Academia Americana de Pediatría y la
Sociedad de Salud y Medicina para Adolescentes recomiendan
vacunas contra el VPH.
¿Cómo puedo obtener ayuda para pagar por
estas vacunas?
El programa de Vacunas para Niños (VFC, por sus siglas en
inglés) proporciona vacunas para niños de hasta 18 años que
no tengan seguro, que cumplan con los requisitos para recibir
Medicaid o que sean indoamericanos o nativos de Alaska. Puede
averiguar más sobre el programa VFC en Internet en
www.cdc.gov/spanish/especialesCDC/ ProgramaVacunas.
¿Dónde puedo obtener más información?
Para obtener más información sobre las vacunas HPV y las
demás vacunas para los preadolescentes y los adolescentes hable con
el médico o el enfermero de su hijo. Usted también puede obtener
más información disponible en el sitio web “Vacunas para Preadolescentes y Adolescentes” de los CDC en la siguiente dirección:
http://www.cdc.gov/spanish/especialesCDC VacunasPreadolescentes/.
Se ha realizado estudios muy cuidadosos de ambas vacunas
contra el VPH y dichos estudios han mostrado que no existe
ninguna preocupación grave de seguridad con ellas. Algunos
efectos secundarios que se han notificado en estos estudios
incluyen dolor en el brazo, en el sitio que se ha puesto la
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U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
| DISEASES and the VACCINES THAT PREVENT THEM |
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Vaccines for Preteens and Teens: What Parents Should Know
Why does my child need vaccines now?
Vaccines aren’t just for babies. Some of the vaccines that
babies get can wear off as kids get older. And as kids grow up
they may come in contact with different diseases than when
they were babies. There are vaccines that can help protect
your preteen or teen from these other illnesses.
What vaccines does my child need?
Tdap Vaccine
This vaccine helps protect against three serious diseases:
tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).
Preteens should get Tdap at age 11 or 12. If your teen didn’t
get a Tdap shot as a preteen, ask the their doctor or nurse
about getting the shot now.
Meningococcal Vaccine
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine protects against some
of the bacteria that can cause meningitis (swelling of the
lining around the brain and spinal cord) and septicemia
(an infection in the blood). Preteens need the first
meningococcal shot when they are 11 or 12 years old and
a second meningococcal shot at age 16. Teens who got the
meningococcal shot when they were 13, 14, or 15 years old
should still get a second shot at age 16. Older teens who
haven’t gotten any meningococcal shots should get one dose
as soon as possible.
HPV Vaccine
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines help protect both
girls and boys from HPV infection and cancer caused by
HPV. Two HPV vaccines protect girls from the types of HPV
that cause most cervical cancer. One HPV vaccine also helps
protect both girls and boys from anal cancer and genital
warts. HPV vaccines are given to preteens as 3 shots over
6 months when they are 11 or 12 years old. Preteens and
teens who haven’t started or finished the HPV vaccine series
should ask the doctor or nurse about getting them now.
Flu Vaccine
The annual flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances
of getting seasonal flu and spreading it to others. Even
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healthy preteens and teens can get very sick from the flu
and spread it to others. While all preteens and teens should
get a flu vaccine, it’s especially important for those with
chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and
heart disease to get vaccinated. The best time to get the flu
vaccine is as soon after it’s available in your community,
ideally by October. While it’s best to be vaccinated before flu
begins causing illness in your community, flu vaccination
can be beneficial as long as flu viruses are circulating, even in
January or later.
When should my child be vaccinated?
A good time to get these vaccines is during a yearly health
checkup. Your preteen or teen can also get these vaccines at
a physical exam required for sports, school, or camp. It’s a
good idea to ask the doctor or nurse every year if there are any
vaccines that your child may need.
Vaccine Information
for Parents
Last updated JUNE 2014
What else should I know about these vaccines?
These vaccines have all been studied very carefully and are
safe. They can cause mild side effects, like soreness or redness
in the part of the arm where the shot was given. Some
preteens and teens might faint after getting a shot. Sitting
or lying down when getting a shot and then for about 15
minutes after the shot, can help prevent fainting. Serious side
effects are rare. It is very important to tell the doctor or nurse
if your child has any serious allergies, including allergies to
yeast, latex, or chicken eggs, before they receive any shots.
How can I get help paying for these vaccines?
The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines
for children ages 18 years and younger, who are not insured,
Medicaid-eligible, American Indian or Alaska Native. You can
find out more about the VFC program by going online to www.
cdc.gov and typing VFC in the search box.
Where can I learn more?
Talk to your child’s doctor or nurse about what vaccines they
may need. You can also find more information about these
vaccines on CDC’s Vaccines for Preteens and Teens website at
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/who/teens/index.html.
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/teens.
U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
| PAGE 53