Measles Update: It’s more important than ever to make sure your family is protected. Learn More
- About Vaccines
- Answering Your Questions
You have questions. We have answers.
OR TRY BROWSING ALL COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
Search by Category
- Resources
Resources
Here are some of the tools and information we recommend using based on real medical science and research.
VIEW ALL RESOURCES >
See AlsoWhat is cervical cancer and how can it be prevented? Answers to key questionsHistory of HPV in HPV-positive elderly womenMore African nations focus on HPV vaccination against cervical cancer, but hesitancy remainsSA adopts single dose HPV vaccine regimen, extends govt-subsidised jabs to private schools | News24- Recommended Immunization Schedules
- Request Your Child’s Immunization Record
- For Your Appointment
- News
Michigan News
Whooping cough rising sharply in Washtenaw County
National News
Healthier Together: Whooping cough on the rise in the U.S.
Michigan News
Washtenaw County reports spike in whooping cough cases this year
Browse by Category
Menu
All Articles
- Contact
- About Vaccines
- Vaccine Safety
- Child Safety
- Protect Community
- Answering Your Questions
- Resources
- News
- International News
- Contact
SEARCH FAQs
- June 25, 2024
This article was posted in the Los Angeles Times. Read more here.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent, yet often misunderstood, virus yielding serious health consequences if left unchecked. It’s one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide with over 100 different types, some of which can lead to various cancers, including cervical, anal, penile, vagin*l and throat cancers. While human papillomavirus vaccines are available and highly effective in preventing infection, misconceptions about the virus persist, making education and awareness crucial in combating its spread and associated health risks.
Human papillomavirus is transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, primarily during sexual activity. While most infections resolve on their own without causing symptoms or long-term health issues, certain strains of the virus can lead to genital warts and an increased risk of developing cancer. Human papillomavirus can also spread through other forms of contact, such as through childbirth or non-sexual skin-to-skin contact.
The vaccine is recommended for both genders, starting between the ages of 9 and 11 years old. The vaccine is typically administered through a series of shots over several months, and it is most effective when given before a person has become sexually active. For those who did not receive the vaccine during adolescence, catch-up vaccination is recommended for young adults up to age 26 for women and up to age 21 for men.
Young adults, regardless of gender, should consider human papillomavirus testing as part of their routine healthcare. Human papillomavirus testing can detect the presence of the virus in cervical cells and identify individuals at risk for developing human papillomavirus-related complications. I discuss the importance of getting vaccinated with my adolescent patients and their parents as the vaccine is most effective when administered before any exposure to the virus. The vaccine is given in a series of shots and is a crucial strategy in preventing cervical cancer in women. It’s also important for boys to get vaccinated since they can be carriers and spread the virus to women as they become sexually active, not to mention that they are vulnerable to developing genital cancers from the virus themselves.
It’s not uncommon for parents to feel hesitant about their child receiving the human papillomavirus vaccine – some may worry about side effects, long-term impacts or having to address the topic of sexual activity with their child.
It’s important to address these concerns with accurate information and have an open dialogue with your child’s physician. The vaccine has been around for over 20 years and has a strong track record of safety and effectiveness. It is highly effective at preventing human papillomavirus infections and related health issues, including certain types of cancer. By vaccinating adolescents before they become sexually active, we can protect them against these diseases.
Share this article:
SUBSCRIBE
You’ve got questions. That’s a good thing.
As parents, determining how best to protect our children can be overwhelming and confusing. We’re here to help.
Related Stories
Michigan News
Whooping cough rising sharply in Washtenaw County
National News
Healthier Together: Whooping cough on the rise in the U.S.
PreviousBoost your immune system with this centuries-old health hack: Vaccines
NextWashtenaw County reports spike in whooping cough cases this year
Recommended Immunization Schedules
These schedules list the age or age range when each vaccine or series of shots is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If your child (birth through 6 years old) or adolescent (age 7 through 18 years old) has missed any shots, talk to your child’s doctor about getting back on track.
- From birth through 6 years
- From 7 through 18 years
- For adults (19 years or older)
- Catch up schedule
- Building Blocks for MI Immunityfrom the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
Vaccine Schedule Based On Your Child’s Birthday
Make sure your child is immunized on schedule. For a complete list of recommended immunizations, just select your child’s birth date.
From the CDC
Immunization Tracker
This print-friendly chart helps you track your child’s vaccinations at each appointment.
From the CDC
Request your child’s immunization record
TheMichigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR), is an immunization registry managed by MDHHS and reported to by immunization providers. MCIR allows healthcare providers or individuals to access their immunization records regardless of their location in Michigan. This system also helps to track local and state immunization rates of Michigan residents to ensure immunity to vaccine-preventable illnesses. MCIR is a lifespan registry that includes infant through adult records.
- Request a copy of your child’s MCIR record from your doctor’s office oryour local health department
- Request a copy of your child’s MCIR record from MDHHS department
For your appointment
Before, during, and after pregnancy protection
When you’re pregnant, you share everything with your baby. That means when you get vaccines, you aren’t just protecting yourself — you are giving your baby some early protection, too. The CDC has guidelines for the vaccines you and your baby need before, during, and after pregnancy.
From the CDC
Get prepared: Before, during, and after your child’s appointment
There are things you can do before, during and after your child’s appointment to make them easier and less stressful for both of you.
From the CDC
Mobile app from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
The Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia created a free mobile app calledVaccines on the Go: What You Should Knowso you can access credible, science-based information from wherever and whenever you need it.
- Download the free app for iOS from the iTunes App Store for Apple devices
- Download the free app from the Google Play Store for Android devices
Find your local Michigan public health department or immunization clinic
See the directory of Michigan’s 45 local public health departments for more information on your child’s immunization record and where to get them vaccinated.
Other Vaccination Organizations & Advocates
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
The Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia provides complete, up-to-date and reliable information about vaccines to parents and healthcare professionals.
Shot by Shot
Stories of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases is a collection of stories from people who have been touched by vaccine-preventablediseases.
Voices for Vaccines
Voices for Vaccines is a parent-led organization that supports and advocates for on-time vaccination and the reduction of vaccine-preventable disease.
Seattle Mama Doc: A Blog by Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson
Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson is a practicing pediatrician and the mother of two young boys. She practices at The Everett Clinic in Mill Creek, Washington, is on the medical staff at Seattle Children’s and is a clinical instructor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington.
Parents of Kids with Infectious Diseases
PKIDs’ mission is to educate the public about infectious diseases, the methods of prevention and transmission, the latest advances in medicine, and the elimination of social stigma borne by the infected; and to assist the families of the children living with hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, or other chronic, viral infectious diseases with emotional, financial and informational support.
