Published: October 23, 2025
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
The HPV vaccine represents one of the most powerful tools available to prevent multiple types of cancer in your teenager’s future. Yet many families remain uncertain about this important immunization.
Understanding the facts about HPV and its prevention can help parents make informed decisions that protect long-term health.
Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 80 million Americans currently have HPV, with about 14 million new infections occurring each year.
Most people contract HPV at some point in their lives, often without knowing it. The virus typically causes no immediate symptoms, but certain high-risk types can lead to serious health issues years or decades later.
HPV can cause genital warts and respiratory papillomatosis, a condition that causes warts to grow in the throat. It also can cause six types of cancer:
The HPV vaccine works best when given before exposure to the virus happens. Teenagers develop the strongest immune response to the vaccine, making the teen years the optimal time for immunization.
The vaccine protects against nine types of HPV that cause about 90% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. Clinical trials show the vaccine is nearly 100% effective at preventing infections from these HPV types when given before exposure.
“”The vaccine is most effective when given between 9 to 12 years old. This is before kids have been exposed to the virus and their immune systems are primed to respond better,” said Patrick K. Hynes, M.D., pediatrician with Norton Children’s Medical Group. Waiting until the teen years or adulthood means missing the window for maximum protection.”
The CDC recommends HPV vaccination for all preteens at ages 11 to 12, though the vaccine can be given as early as age 9. Teens and young adults who missed earlier vaccinations can receive catch-up vaccines through age 26.
The vaccination schedule depends on age:
Some adults ages 27 to 45 may benefit from vaccination after consulting with their health care provider, though the vaccine provides less benefit at older ages since most adults have already been exposed to HPV.
The HPV vaccine offers protection that lasts for years, with studies showing strong immunity lasting for at least 10 years after vaccination. Researchers expect protection to continue much longer, possibly for life.
Countries with robust HPV vaccination programs already have seen dramatic decreases in HPV infections and precancerous changes. Australia, which began widespread HPV vaccination in 2007, has nearly eliminated cervical cancer in women under 25.
“”With the data coming out of Australia, we are seeing real-world evidence that this vaccine works extremely well.”,” Dr. Hynes said. “The teenagers getting vaccinated today are the first generation that may never have to worry about HPV-related cancers.”
The vaccine also provides community protection. Higher vaccination rates reduce HPV circulation, protecting even unvaccinated individuals.
Extensive safety monitoring shows the HPV vaccine is safe and effective. More than 135 million doses have been distributed in the United States since 2006, with serious adverse events remaining extremely rare.
Many people who get the HPV vaccine have no side effects at all. Some people report having very mild and short-lived side effects, like a sore arm from the shot.
The most common side effects of HPV vaccine include:
“The HPV vaccine has an excellent safety profile,” Dr. Hynes said. “The risks of the vaccine are far outweighed by the benefits of cancer prevention.”
Some parents worry that HPV vaccination might encourage sexual activity in teens. Research consistently shows no increase in risky sexual behavior among vaccinated adolescents.
“Vaccinating your teen against HPV is a health decision, not a moral one,” Dr. Hynes said. “It’s not about sex; it’s about preventing cancer, just like any other vaccine prevents disease.”
Other parents ask, “Should my son get the HPV vaccine?” Males can develop HPV-related cancers and genital warts, and they play a role in transmitting the virus to partners. The CDC recommends HPV vaccination for all adolescents, regardless of gender.
Parents should discuss HPV vaccination with their child’s or teen’s health care provider during routine checkups. Most insurance plans cover the vaccine with no out-of-pocket costs.
“This is the first cancer vaccine. All vaccines are important, but this is the first time we can offer this type of protection to your child, and hopefully this will be the first of many vaccines to prevent cancers in the future,” Dr. Hynes said.
For families with teens who missed earlier vaccination opportunities, catch-up vaccines remain beneficial through age 26. Health care providers can help determine the best vaccination schedule for individual circumstances.
The HPV vaccine represents a remarkable achievement in preventive medicine — the ability to prevent cancer with a simple immunization. Taking advantage of this protection during the teen years offers the best chance for a lifetime of health.