WHAT IS HPV AND WHAT IS THE HPV VACCINE?

• HPV is the abbreviation for human papillomavirus. There are about 100 types of HPV viruses and some of these types cause cancer.
• The HPV vaccine is cancer prevention for your child. It is the only vaccine available to prevent six types of cancer.
• The vaccine is given as a shot, in two doses, six months apart at your doctor’s office.
• Three doses are recommended for teens and young adults who start the series at age 15 through 26 years, and for immunocompromised persons.

WHO SHOULD GET THE VACCINE?

• Boys and girls starting at age 9 should get the vaccine so they’re protected before ever being exposed to the human papillomavirus virus or HPV.
• As your kids grow up, you can’t protect them from everything. But you can protect them from six types of cancer with the HPV vaccination.
• The FDA approved HPV vaccine has been available since 2006 and has been proven safe and effective.
• Both boys and girls should be vaccinated to protect them from six types of cancers including cervical cancer and cancer of the throat, tongue and tonsils. All six types of cancers that can be prevented with the HPV vaccine are listed on our website: cancer.utah.gov/hpv

IS THE HPV VACCINE SAFE?

• Yes. Many studies have been conducted over the past 10+ years.
• The FDA and the CDC have given the HPV vaccine an excellent safety record.

ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS?

• At the injection site, there can be side effects including redness or tenderness, possibly a low-grade fever or nausea. These are very similar to side effects that can be experienced with other vaccines or medications.
• It’s important to point out that the long-term protection against cancer far outweighs any potential risk of short-term side effects.

HOW LONG DOES THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VACCINE LAST?

• The HPV vaccine has been studied now for more than a decade.
• During that time there has been no sign of the vaccine losing any of its effectiveness in individuals who received the vaccine.

HOW ARE WE DOING AT GETTING OUR KIDS VACCINATED?

• Utah’s vaccination rate is improving. About 60% of boys and girls are getting the HPV vaccine. (Source: Public Health Indicator Based Information System)
• But, it’s not about rates. It’s about each individual child and their health.
• Parents, you can protect your child from six types of cancer by getting them vaccinated.

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE HPV VACCINE?

• Talk with your healthcare provider, pharmacy, local health department, or community health center.
• Visit: cancer.utah.gov/hpv

WHERE CAN I FIND IF MY CHILD IS UP TO DATE WITH THE HPV VACCINE?

• Talk to your child’s doctor or request your child’s immunization records from your local health department.
• You can also download a free app called Docket at docket.care. This app links to the Utah Statewide Immunization Information System. (USIIS)