THE HPV VACCINE IS CANCER PREVENTION
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is a safe, effective vaccine that can prevent HPV infection. HPV infection has been linked to six different types of cancers and the HPV vaccine can help prevent them!
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is a type of virus that is spread from person to person through skin-to-skin contact. There are many different types (strains) of HPV virus that can infect people. HPV infections are very common and almost everyone will be infected by some form of HPV in their lifetime.
Infection with certain strains of HPV can lead to cancer. Most HPV infections will go away on their own, and many infections might not even result in noticeable symptoms. However, some HPV infections will last longer and can develop into cancer. The most common cancers caused by HPV include cancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva in women, cancer of the penis in men, and cancers of the throat and the anus in men and women.
Preventing HPV infection is difficult because the infection is very common and most people don't show any symptoms when there are infectious. The best way to prevent HPV infection is to be vaccinated with the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine prevents infection from nine different strains of HPV that are most commonly associated with cancer. The vaccine isn't just about preventing HPV, it's about preventing cancers caused by HPV, too!
HPV Protection
The HPV vaccine is safe and very effective. It prevents against nine different types (strains) of HPV that are most commonly associated with HPV-related cancers.
The vaccine is given as a two or three dose series (depending on age) during adolescence. It is important to receive the vaccine during this stage in life because adolescents have likely not yet been exposed to or infected with HPV and because their immune systems are capable of producing a strong immune response to the vaccine.
The HPV vaccine has been studied extensively over the past decade and has been found to be safe and effective. The most common side effects of HPV vaccination are pain and redness at the injection site. These side effects are often mild and disappear quickly after receiving the vaccine. Some individuals who receive the HPV vaccine may experience nausea, headache, muscle or joint pain or dizziness and fainting, but these side effects are rare.
For Parents
Parents play a key role in the health of their children--and that includes vaccinations like the HPV vaccine. Parents are encouraged to talk with their children and their children's doctor about the importance of HPV vaccination.
Because the human papillomavirus is not communicable in a school setting, a parent or guardian, at the parent's or guardian's sole discretion, may elect for the parent's or guardian's child not to receive the HPV vaccine, after reviewing educational materials provided by the Board of Health describing the link between the human papillomavirus and cervical cancer.
More information available for parents here.
Do you know which shots your child needs and at what age they should be given?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has developed immunization schedules for children and teens.
Consider printing a copy and keeping it with your child's medical records and bring it with you to their next pediatrician visit.
For Providers
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): https://downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/AAP-Immunization-Schedule.pdf
American Academy of Family Physicians (AFP): https://www.aafp.org/dam/AAFP/documents/patient_care/immunizations/2025%20Adolescent%20Schedule.pdf
Did you know that the human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause oropharyngeal cancer? Click HERE for a guide about HPV and oral health.
In partnership with public and private partners, the Virginia HPV Immunization Taskforce and the AAP Virginia Chapter assembled a call-to-action letter to providers in support of the HPV vaccine and its role in cancer prevent. View the letter here.
For Schools
The HPV vaccine is listed in the Code of Virginia as a vaccine required for children entering the 7th grade. As a parent or guardian, you have the right to decide if your child gets the HPV vaccine. Please review important information related to the HPV vaccine and its role in preventing 6 different types of cancer.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for routine vaccination at age 11 or 12 years of age. Vaccination can also start as early as 9 years of age.
For more information about the HPV vaccine requirements, please read the letter from the State Health Commissioner (2026 letter coming soon!) which notes all vaccines required for school entry, including the HPV vaccine. Included with the letter is an infographic which contains more information and HPV vaccine and cancer prevention.
HPV vaccine is a Code-required vaccine for all students who attend public and private schools in Virginia. For information about school immunization requirements, please visit the VDH School Requirements page on the Division of Immunization website.