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For Parents/Guardians

What is HPV?

HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus. It's an infection that's spread by skin-to-skin sexual contact. Eighty percent of sexually active men and women are infected with HPV at some point, frequently with no signs or symptoms.

What are the symptoms and treatment for HPV?

Often, people never know they have HPV and may pass it to a partner without realizing it. There is no treatment or cure for HPV infection, though warts and cancer caused by HPV can be treated.

How is HPV connected to cancer?

Although many people have HPV and fight it off, sometimes it lingers and causes cells to change and cancer develops. HPV is connected to cancers of the cervix, throat/tongue, penis, and anus.

What is the HPV vaccine and who gets it?

The vaccine protects from HPV types that can cause genital warts and cancer. All boys and girls should receive the HPV series between ages 9-26. The vaccine is most effective if completed before age 15.

Is the vaccine safe?

The CDC & WHO report that more than 200 million doses of the HPV vaccine have been given worldwide (90 million in the US) and no serious safety concerns have been identified.

How do I reduce my/my child's risk of getting an HPV related cancer?

  1. Get your child vaccinated against HPV.
  2. Stay up-to-date on annual dental and doctor visits, which may include PAP and HPV testing.
  3. Don't smoke.