HPV vaccine prevents cancer.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common infection—about 4 in 5 people will get it at some point in their lives. HPV easily spreads through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Most HPV infections go away by themselves—but some can cause cancer later in life.
HPV:
- Causes nearly all cervical cancer.
- Causes throat, tongue, and tonsil cancer.
- Can also cause cancer of the penis, anus, vulva, and vagina.
The good news: HPV vaccine can prevent more than 90% of these cancers.
Who should get HPV vaccine?
Doctors recommend getting HPV vaccine at 9–12 years old.
Healthcare providers recommend HPV vaccine for preteen boys and girls, starting at 9 years old. The vaccine is most effective at 9–12 years old because it produces the most antibodies (infection-fighting cells). This also ensures immunity is in place before any exposure to the virus.
Teens and young adults should get the vaccine, too.
Everyone 13–26 years old should get HPV vaccine, if they haven’t already.
Adults
Adults 27–45 years old should talk with their healthcare provider to see if they should get HPV vaccine.
If you or your child have not received HPV vaccine, it’s not too late. Talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist about getting it.
HPV vaccine is safe.
Serious side effects from HPV vaccine are very rare. Like all vaccines, HPV vaccine safety is continuously monitored. In the United States, more than 135 million doses of HPV vaccine have been given safely.
Where to find HPV vaccine
Many healthcare provider offices and pharmacies offer HPV vaccine. Call ahead for availability. Visit our kids vaccine page or adults vaccine page to find free vaccine locations and events.
HPV vaccine is free for kids younger than 19 years old.
Washington provides all recommended vaccines at no cost for kids through 18 years old. They’re available from healthcare providers across the state.
Your provider may charge an administration fee for the vaccine. Families who can’t afford to pay can ask for the fee to be waived.
Under the Affordable Care Act, all health insurance plans should cover HPV vaccine at no cost.
Parents can protect adolescents from HPV cancers. Talk with your child’s healthcare provider about the HPV vaccine. Make an appointment today.
Check out HPV: Know the Facts & Answers to Your Questions.
Also available in Español (Spanish).
Additional resources
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)—Washington State Department of Health.
- HPV vaccine guide for adults 18–26 years old—immunize.org.
- Prevent 6 cancers with HPV vaccine—American Cancer Society.
- Here’s why your preteen needs HPV vaccine—American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
- HPV vaccine: What parents need to know—AAP.