HPV Vaccine for Preteens and Teens

This information sheet discusses the need to vaccinate adolescents and preteens to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection which can cause cervical cancer in females and genital warts and anal cancer in both females and males. It answers the questions why the child needs HPV vaccine and when should the child be vaccinated; and provides information parents should know about the vaccine, including that there are two vaccines, what are possible side effects, and that the vaccine is recommended by the CDC, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. The information sheet explains how a parent can get help to pay for the vaccines and where they can find more information.