HPV Vaccine and Cancer Prevention in Kids
Early protection against future cancer
Early protection against future cancer
Key Takeaways
- HPV vaccination can prevent most HPV-related cancers
- Recommended for boys and girls starting at ages 9–12
- Works best when given before exposure to the virus
- Safe, effective, and provides long-lasting protection
If you’re the parent of a preteen, you may be wondering whether your child needs the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine and how serious HPV actually is.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. While many infections clear on their own, certain high-risk strains can remain in the body for years and eventually lead to cancer.
The encouraging news is that vaccination can prevent most HPV-related cancers before a child is ever exposed to the virus.
“For parents, the HPV vaccine is a simple step that can make a big difference later in life,” says Erik Hogen, MD, a pediatrician at Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo. “It protects both boys and girls from several cancers linked to HPV and works best when it’s given during the preteen years, well before exposure to the virus.”
What is HPV?
HPV is extremely common. According to the American Cancer Society, about 43 million Americans are currently infected and roughly 13 million new infections occur each year. It is estimated that 80% of adults will get infected with HPV at some point in their life.
The virus spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal or oral sex, even when a person has no symptoms.
Although most types of HPV do not cause health problems, some high-risk strains are responsible for thousands of cancer-related diagnoses annually.
What types of cancer does HPV cause?
Each year, about 37,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancers linked to HPV, including:
- Mouth and throat cancers (most common HPV-related cancer in men)
- Cervical cancer (most common HPV-related cancer in women)
- Anal cancer
- Vaginal and vulvar cancers
- Penile cancer
More than 90% of these cancers could be prevented with vaccination, according to the American Cancer Society.
When should my child get the HPV vaccine?
Because vaccination works best before exposure to the virus, health experts recommend that children receive the HPV vaccine at age 9-12 during a routine well-child visit. The recommendation is based on age, not sexual activity. Vaccinating at this stage produces a stronger immune response and ensures protection long before any potential exposure.
“There is no reason to wait to vaccinate until they reach puberty or start having sex,” says Gurinder Dabhia, MD, a pediatrician at Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo.
"Preteens should receive immunization, so they are protected before ever being exposed to the virus,” Dr. Dabhia adds. “The vaccine produces a more robust immune response during these younger years.”
There is no evidence that giving the vaccine encourages early sexual activity, she adds.
What vaccine is used?
The HPV vaccine currently used in the United States is Gardasil 9, which protects against nine HPV types responsible for the majority of HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
HPV vaccination schedule and dose series
The HPV vaccine is given as a vaccine series based on age:
- Ages 9–14: Two-dose schedule (6–12 months apart)
- Age 15 and older: Three-dose schedule
Completing the full vaccine series is essential for long-lasting protection.
Vaccination is routinely recommended through age 26. Adults ages 27–45 who were not adequately vaccinated may still benefit after discussion with their health care provider.
How effective is the HPV vaccine?
“The HPV vaccine is both safe and highly effective, and nearly two decades of data prove it,” says Dr. Hogen.
An analysis of national surveillance data from 2006 to 2023 found a major drop in HPV infections.
Infections with HPV types 16 and 18 — the strains most strongly linked to cervical cancer — dropped nearly 98% among vaccinated young women.
High vaccination rates have also reduced infections by more than 70% among unvaccinated people through herd immunity, according to the study.
These findings show why public health and HPV vaccine coverage matter. As more children finish the vaccine series, protection expands across the community.
Experts say the key is vaccinating early — before exposure to the virus.
“HPV vaccination works best when it’s given before someone is exposed to the virus, which is why we recommend it for both boys and girls starting at ages 9 to 12,” Dr. Hogen says. “When more children are vaccinated on time, we protect not only individuals, but the community as a whole.”
Is the HPV vaccine safe?
Like all routine childhood vaccines, the HPV vaccine has been carefully studied and continuously monitored for safety. Since its introduction in 2006, millions of doses have been administered in the U.S. and around the world.
Most side effects are mild and short-lived, such as soreness at the injection site, headache, tiredness or a mild fever. Serious side effects are rare.
“Years of testing are required by law to ensure the safety of vaccines before they are made available in the U.S.,” Dr. Hogen says. “Currently the U.S. has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in history.”
Where to get the HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine is widely available. At Scripps, it is offered at Scripps HealthExpress walk-in clinics found throughout San Diego County. Scripps patients may also schedule vaccination through their primary care physician.
For families concerned about cost, the federal Vaccines for Children program provides free vaccines to eligible children who are uninsured, eligible for Medicaid, or American Indian/Alaska Native.
Vaccination now, screening later
Even with HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening is still recommended beginning at age 21. These tests can detect precancerous changes early, before cancer develops.
But screening happens years down the road. The HPV vaccine allows families to protect their children early. It guards against the HPV types that cause most cervical cancers as well as other HPV-related cancers that don’t have routine screening.
Vaccinating during the preteen years helps ensure protection is in place long before it’s ever needed.
“As parents, we all want to do what we can to protect our children’s future,” Dr. Dabhia says. “HPV vaccination is a safe and powerful way to reduce their risk of cancer later in life, and I encourage families to take advantage of it.”