Getting ready for back to school? Don’t forget your child’s HPV vaccine.

Getting ready for back to school? Don’t forget your child’s HPV vaccine.

Safety Information for HPV vaccine

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. The virus is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. HPV infections are so common that nearly all men and women will get at least one type of HPV at some time in their lives. Most infections are asymptomatic and become undetectable, but some can be persistent and can progress to cancer in both women and men later in life.HPV infections that do not go away can cause:

  • Cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers (in women)
  • Penile cancer (in men)
  • Anal cancer
  • Cancer of the back of the throat (oropharynx)
  • Genital warts

There is one licensed HPV vaccine available in the United States. Gardasil 9 (human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine, recombinant; 9vHPV) was approved by FDA for use in 2014. The safety of Gardasil 9 was studied in clinical trials with more than 15,000 participants before it was licensed and continues to be monitored. Gardasil 9 protects against 9 types of cancer-causing HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. For HPV vaccine to be most effective, the series should begin prior to exposure to HPV.

Who Should Get HPV Vaccine

CDC recommends HPV vaccination for all boys and girls at ages 11-12 to protect against HPV-related infections and cancers. Anyone starting the series before the age of 15 should receive two doses of HPV vaccine, with at least six months between the first and second doses. Adolescents who receive the two doses less than five months apart will require a third dose of HPV vaccine.


Talk with your healthcare provider about vaccines.

They can answer questions and offer advice based on your specific health needs.
CDC recommends HPV vaccination for everyone through age 26 years, if not vaccinated already. Teens and young adults who start the series at ages 15 through 26 years still need three doses of HPV vaccine. Three doses are also recommended for people with certain immunocompromising conditions ages 9 through 26 years.

Some adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit, as more people have already been exposed to HPV.

A Bit About the Coalition

Cape Atlantic Coalition for Health is a regional chronic disease prevention coalition funded by the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Cancer Control and Prevention. Our purpose is to reduce the state's cancer burden and improve health outcomes for people with, or at risk for, cancer and other chronic diseases in Atlantic and Cape may counties. For more information on comprehensive cancer control, visit www.njcancer.gov. Shore Medical Center is the lead agency for Atlantic and Cape May counties. The CACH is working on a variety of projects to improve our community's health. You can help by becoming involved by being a member or volunteer. Anyone interested should call 609-653-3923.