In this article
Kids get the HPV vaccine to reduce the chances of getting human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cancer or genital warts. It doesn’t guarantee protection against all types of the sexually transmitted virus but remains effective, specifically against cervical cancer and specific genital warts.
Every parent should talk to their pediatrician about the benefits and disadvantages of giving your kid the HPV vaccine.
What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted disease found, with more than 200 strains of HPV existing and nearly 40 that infect the genital area. The HPV virus is spread through sexual contact, not necessarily intercourse. While HPV often goes away without specialized treatment, it is linked to increased chances of certain cancers and genital warts.
HPV generally affects the genital regions, including the vulva, vagina, cervix, rectum, anus, penis, and scrotum. It can also affect the mouth and throat. The HPV virus types that lead to genital warts are considered low-risk HPV, since they are not linked to cancer. There are at least 12 types of HPV known to lead to cancer, most commonly cervical cancer. The most concerning cancer-causing strains are HPV types 16 and 18.
What is the HPV vaccine?
It is recommended that all kids get the HPV vaccine — that is, boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 12, although it can be administered as early as age 9. This vaccine inoculates against HPV types 16 and 18, which are known to cause 80% of cervical cancer. It also inoculates against HPV types 6 and 11, known to cause 90% of genital warts.
The vaccine is most effective given prior to exposure to the virus, which generally means prior to a person becoming sexually active. There are two doses of the vaccine given 6 to 12 months apart.
Who is at risk for HPV?
Everyone is at risk to get the HPV virus. Risk increases with the number of sexual partners a person has. Risk is also increased in having sex with someone who has had multiple partners. It is also possible to get HPV through close contact, not necessarily sexual contact. While the direct risk of HPV is usually not a big deal and the virus will run its course, those being infected with certain strains increase their chances of cancer or genital warts.
Those who get the HPV vaccine reduce their risk of getting cancer-causing HPV strains. It is recommended for both girls and boys to get the HPV vaccine around 11 or 12 years of age. The vaccine has two doses with the second dose being 6 to 12 months from the first.
Northern Californian mom DeeAnn Preston explained why she got her son vaccinated. “If I can reduce the chances of him getting certain cancers and STDs, it just seemed like the safest bet,” she told Mom.com.
Is the vaccine safe enough for kids?!
The CDC has monitored the results and adverse effects of the HPV vaccine for 12 years and deems it to be extremely safe. The benefits of getting the HPV vaccine include reducing the risk of cervical and other cancers, as well as reducing the chances of contracting genital warts. When given before an adolescent becomes sexually active, it can greatly reduce the chances of known HPV types of cancers and genital warts. It is also beneficial, although not as effective, for those already sexually active up to the age of 26 to get the vaccination.
It’s recommended to get the HPV vaccine prior to age 12 with it possible to get the vaccine as young as 9. Karen Crowley, the associate dean of online graduate nursing at Regis College, explained the reasoning behind this: “The development of antibodies to the HPV is higher in younger individuals than in older individuals, resulting in a higher immune response that remains high for a longer period of time."
Disadvantages of the HPV vaccine
There are some disadvantages that every parent should consider before giving their child the HPV vaccine. The vaccination does come potential side effects that include pain and swelling at the vaccination site, fever, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Some who don’t get the HPV vaccination cite that it is not a guarantee to prevent cervical cancer and doesn’t protect against all cancers.
Be sure to discuss your concerns with your pediatrician before you make any decisions.
