St. Jude Research

A Future Free of HPV Cancers Starts with You

PRETEENS

TEENS

Tyra is thinking about the hottest dance trend. Not about HPV cancers.

Your teen isn’t thinking about HPV vaccination—that’s why you need to. 

Find HPV Vaccination

Every Child Under 18 Deserves HPV Protection

Long-Lasting Protection

HPV vaccination for teens protects against 6 types of cancer in adulthood.

HPV is Very Common

Almost everyone gets HPV at some point.

The Time is Now

The earlier your teen receives HPV vaccination, the better.

HPV Vaccination Schedule & Dosing 

For most children aged 14-15, HPV vaccination requires 2 doses; for most children aged 15-18, HPV vaccination requires 3 doses. Ask your child’s healthcare provider what’s right for them.

First Dose

Talk to your child’s doctor and decide when to start HPV vaccination. Some teens only need two doses.

Second Dose

Administered at least 4 weeks after the first dose. For some teenagers, this may be their last dose.

Third Dose

Scheduled at least 12 weeks after the second dose and 5 months after the first dose.

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Why Teens Need HPV Vaccination

Nearly all sexually active people will get HPV at some point, and it’s not too late to help protect your teen against HPV cancers later in life. HPV vaccination can prevent an HPV infection, but it can’t treat it—that’s why the time to choose vaccination is now.

“Since the vaccine is preventive, giving it well before the potential for exposure to HPV is ideal.”

Chris Barry, PA-C, MMSc, DFAAPA

JMA Pediatrics

“It's important to realize how common HPV infections are. We estimate that 80% of people will be infected at some point.”

Michelle Bowden, MD

Pediatrician at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Science

“Vaccination in childhood before HPV exposure is the best way to protect against HPV cancers in adulthood.”

Melissa Hudson, MD, FASCO

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

A group of classmates sitting and standing outside of their school smiling and laughing together..

Vaccination Today, Cancer Prevention Tomorrow

HPV vaccination could help eliminate HPV cancers in the United States.

In the UK, HPV vaccination has led to an 87% decrease in cervical cancer and the near elimination of cervical cancer in women born since September 1995.1

Vaccination can help to wipe out HPV cancers as a public health problem. Thanks to widespread HPV vaccination, Australia is on track to achieve this milestone by 2035.2

HPV vaccination can prevent up to 90% of HPV cancers,3 and it is proven to offer long-lasting protection.

Schedule an HPV Vaccination Reminder 

Make sure you’re keeping your child on schedule for HPV vaccination. Schedule a reminder for their next vaccination appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What does HPV have to do with cancer?

    Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can lead to 6 types of cancer. 

  2. How does HPV cause cancer?

    HPV can cause the body’s cells to become abnormal and grow quickly, causing cancer. The longer HPV stays in the body untreated, the more likely it is to lead to cancer.

  3. Who gets HPV?

    Anyone can, whether male or female. HPV is very common, but vaccinations can prevent 90% of HPV cancers.

  4. Why should I be worried about HPV?

    HPV can develop into 6 types of cancer, some of which can be difficult to detect until they’re advanced. 

  5. What kinds of cancers can be caused by HPV?

    HPV can cause throat cancer, cervical cancer, and cancer of the anus, vulva, penis, and vagina.

  6. Are HPV cancers preventable?

    Yes. HPV vaccination provides safe, effective, and long-lasting protection against the most common types of HPV linked to cancers.

  7. Should boys and men get HPV vaccination too?

    Yes. HPV affects men and boys, too. The most common HPV cancers are mouth and throat cancers, and they are seen at a higher rate in men than women. HPV can also cause cancer of the penis, and anus in men.

  8. My child is not yet sexually active, should I still vaccinate against HPV?

    Yes. HPV vaccination is most effective when administered before someone becomes sexually active. HPV vaccination can prevent HPV infection, but it cannot treat an existing HPV infection.

  9. If my child is older than 13 years, is it too late for them to get HPV vaccination?

    No. HPV vaccination is recommended for all children under 18. For most children younger than 15 years, 2 doses of vaccine are needed; for most children older than 15 years, 3 doses of vaccine are needed.

Resources for Parents and Caregivers

Get HPV Vaccination Reminders

You can give your teen a future free from HPV cancers. Schedule a reminder and make sure they’re protected.

Are You a Healthcare Provider?

Show your support for HPV vaccination and help protect your patients.

Visit our healthcare provider page

References: 1. Falcaro M, Castañon A, Ndlela B, et al. The effects of the national HPV vaccination programme in England, UK, on cervical cancer and grade 3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia incidence: a register-based observational study. Lancet. 2021;398(10316):2084-2092. 2. Hall MT, Simms KT, Lew JB, et al. The projected timeframe until cervical cancer elimination in Australia: a modelling study. Lancet Public Health. 2019;4(1):e19-e27. 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cancers caused by HPV are preventable. Updated November 1, 2021. Accessed April 15, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/hcp/protecting-patients.html