HPV Vaccine Myths Busted!

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US. HPV is a virus that can lead to certain types of cancers affecting both men and women. Sometimes, HPV does not cause any immediate symptoms, so many who have HPV may not know it until a cancer has developed. But what if we told you there was a vaccine that could help protect your children from those cancers caused by HPV? The HPV vaccine is cancer prevention and recommended for ages 9-26 years of age (the earlier, the better). Some adults age 27-45 may benefit from an HPV vaccination and should discuss it with their healthcare provider. 

There are many myths associated with the HPV vaccine that we wanted to take a minute and clear up for you. 

MYTH: Only Girls Need the HPV Vaccine

Fact: The vaccine is recommended for both boys and girls to receive. While the most talked about cancer associated with HPV is cervical cancer, there is a long list of cancers that have also been linked to HPV infections. Nearly four out of every ten cases of cancer caused by an HPV infection occur among men. It is important to get both your sons and daughters immunized to protect them against these forms of HPV-related cancer. 

MYTH: You Shouldn’t Get Your Child Immunized Before They’re Sexually Active

Fact: You SHOULD get your child immunized before they’re sexually active to ensure they have full protection against HPV years before they ever have contact with the virus. 

MYTH: Your Child Will Get HPV/Cancer from the Vaccine

Fact: Not True! Because the HPV vaccine is made using only a single protein from each type of the virus, it can’t cause HPV infection, therefore, it can’t cause any other cancers. 

Talk to your child’s provider about the HPV vaccine during their next check-up. Depending on their age, the vaccine can come in either two or three doses. Over 15 years of monitoring have shown that HPV vaccines are very safe and help protect your child from HPV and the cancers it causes. Like any vaccine or medications, HPV vaccines can have side effects, however most common effects are mild and may include pain, redness, or swelling of the arm where shot was given, dizziness, fainting (more common in adolescents), nausea, or headache. Adolescents should be seated or lying down during vaccination and remain in that position for 15 minutes after getting the shot. 

Statistics show that high-risk HPV infections and genital warts rates have decreased by 81 percent among young adult women who have been immunized. Specific cervical precancers caused by high-risk HPV infections have dropped by 40 percent among vaccinated women. 

Don’t wait to vaccinate! Talk to your child’s provider at any Barbour Community Health Association site about getting their HPV vaccination.