Everything You Need To Know About HPV Vaccines

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection globally.

It affects over 75% of men and women at some point in their lives.

While most infections go away on their own, certain high-risk types can cause cervical, anal, throat, penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types is the main cause of cervical cancer, which is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide.

The good news: HPV vaccines are highly effective in preventing infection by the most dangerous HPV types.

These vaccines protect against types 16 and 18, which cause about 70% of cervical cancers, as well as other types that cause genital warts and other cancers, such as types 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.

HPV vaccines work by using virus-like particles (VLPs) to stimulate your immune system.

These VLPs mimic the outer shell of the virus, training your body to recognize and fight off HPV before it causes harm. These vaccines have NO real virus in them—so they can't cause an HPV infection. They are safe, effective, and provide long-lasting protection.

What about safety? 

More than 270 million doses have been given globally, and extensive studies show that these vaccines are very safe. Side effects are generally mild—such as pain at the injection site, dizziness, or mild fever—and go away quickly.

Serious side effects are extremely rare, and the benefits far outweigh the risks.

Who should get it?

The ideal age for vaccination is 11-12 years, but it can be given as early as age 9. Why so young? Because it's most effective before exposure to HPV, which can happen through sexual contact.

Vaccination is also recommended up to age 26, or even later in some cases, especially for those who weren't vaccinated earlier and are at risk. Fun fact, I got my HPV vaccine at 35. Talk to your doctor.

Getting vaccinated helps prevent not only cervical cancer but also other cancers caused by HPV, such as oropharyngeal (throat) cancers, which are on the rise, particularly in men. Boys and men should be vaccinated too—HPV affects all genders, and vaccinating everyone helps build herd immunity, ultimately reducing the overall spread of the virus.

The vaccines are given in a series of either 2 or 3 shots over a few months.

For those under 15, two shots given 6-12 months apart are enough. For older teens and adults, three shots over six months ensure full protection. Completing the full series is crucial for long-lasting immunity.

Here's why it matters

HPV causes about 5% of all cancers globally, including almost all cervical cancers.

The HPV vaccine is our best tool to drastically reduce these numbers and protect future generations. Imagine a world where cervical cancer is a thing of the past—this is how we get there.

One common myth: "HPV vaccination encourages promiscuity."

False! Studies have shown no link between getting vaccinated and changes in sexual behavior. It’s about health, not lifestyle. Protecting kids from cancer shouldn’t be controversial. The focus is on preventing disease and saving lives.

Important to know

The HPV vaccine works best if all doses are completed, and ideally before any HPV exposure.

It's a preventive measure, not a treatment. Once infected, there is no cure for HPV, only management of its health impacts. So, talk to your doctor if you or your kids haven't been vaccinated yet! It's never too late to protect yourself.

The impact has already been incredible: In countries with high HPV vaccine coverage, rates of HPV infections and precancerous lesions have plummeted, leading to fewer cases of cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers.

In a UK study, the HPV vaccine was shown to prevent up to 87% of cervical cancer cases in women in their 20s who were offered it at ages 12-13.

So, spread the word—HPV vaccination is a game-changer for cancer prevention. 

It's safe, it's effective, and it's saving lives. Let’s protect ourselves and future generations. Talk to your doctor or check out resources from WHO and CDC for more info on how to get vaccinated.

Together, we can end HPV cancer.