Skip To Main Content

Prevent Cancer — HPV Vaccination Information

We know how important your child’s health is to you as a parent or guardian. That’s why we want to share information about human papillomavirus, or HPV, California’s Cancer Prevention Act, and an effective way to protect your child from the cancers it can cause through immunization. 

HPV is a very common virus that can cause serious cancers later in life. It’s estimated that HPV causes about 37,000 cases of cancer in men and women every year in the U.S. 

The good news is that HPV vaccination can prevent over 90% of cancers caused by HPV. HPV vaccines are very safe, and scientific research shows that the benefits of HPV vaccination far outweigh the potential risks. Similar to other vaccines, common side effects are mild, like pain or redness where the shot was given, and get better within a day or two. 

Because it is safe and effective, vaccination against HPV is recommended by the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. It’s also recommended by the American Cancer Society and California’s Cancer Prevention Act. 

HPV vaccine is more effective when given at younger ages. All kids between the ages of 9 to 12 years are recommended to receive two doses of HPV vaccine, with the second dose given before the start of 8th grade. The HPV vaccine is often given at the same time as whooping cough and bacterial meningitis vaccines for adolescents. 

Ask your healthcare provider or local health department to learn more about the HPV vaccine and where your child can get it. The vaccine is covered by most health insurance plans. Thank you for taking an important step to safeguard your child’s health.

FAQs

Cancer Prevention Act

The parents and guardians of pupils admitted or advancing to the sixth grade level are hereby notified that the State of California advises that pupils adhere to current immunization guidelines, as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians, regarding full human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization before admission or advancement to the eighth grade level of any private or public elementary or secondary school. 

While HPV vaccination is not required for school, HPV vaccination is routinely recommended at age 11-12 years, and can start as early as 9 years. The vaccine is more effective if given sooner because pre-teens produce more antibodies after HPV vaccination than older teens. Vaccinating at a younger age can also protect kids before they are exposed to the virus. HPV vaccination can prevent over 90 percent of cancers caused by HPV. HPV vaccines are very safe, and scientific research shows that the benefits of HPV vaccination far outweigh the potential risks.

Refer to Health and Safety Code 120336 and California Education Code 48980.4.