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

What is HPV?

HPV is a very common virus that 8 out of 10 people will get at some point in their lifetime. Some HPV infections can lead to cancer later in life.

HPV is estimated to cause about 37,000 cases of cancer in men and women every year in the U.S. – that’s the same as the average attendance for a major league baseball game!

Only cervical cancer, one of the cancers caused by HPV, can be detected early with a Pap test. The other cancers caused by HPV (cancers of the throat, genitals, or anus) may not be detected until they are more serious. HPV vaccination prevents infections that cause these cancers.

How can I protect my child from HPV?

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. With more than 135 million doses given in the U.S. since 2006, HPV vaccine has a long safety record that’s backed by over 15 years of monitoring. Common side effects are mild and get better within a day or two. These include pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, similar to other vaccines.

HPV vaccination works extremely well. Since HPV vaccination was first recommended in 2006, infections with HPV types that cause most HPV cancers have dropped 88% among teen girls and 81% among young adult women.

Vaccination against HPV is recommended by the federal 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.

Who should get the vaccine and when should they get it?

Because the vaccine is more effective when given at younger ages, two doses of HPV vaccine are recommended for all kids between the ages of 9 to 12 years, and the second dose should be given before the start of 8th grade.(Kids who wait until later to get their first dose of HPV vaccine may need three doses.) The HPV vaccine is often given at the same time as other adolescent vaccines, like Tdap to prevent whooping cough and meningococcal vaccine to prevent bacterial meningitis.

Where can I get the HPV vaccine for my child?

Ask your health care provider, pharmacist, or local health department to learn more about HPV vaccine and where you can get it. The vaccine is covered by most health insurance plans. If you don’t have health insurance, your child can still get vaccinated. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program offers free vaccines to children up to age 18 years without insurance or whose insurance does not cover the cost of vaccines. Ask your healthcare provider or local health department about VFC, or learn more on the CDC website. Find doctors participating in VFC in your area.

For more information on HPV, the vaccine, and cancer prevention, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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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.

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