What parents need to know about the HPV vaccine
I’m sure you, like us, are at times, tired of seeing Covid19 news everywhere. The start of 2021 brings us headlines oversaturated with this buzzword, vaccine. In fact, the pandemic has piqued people’s interest in ALL vaccines. What exactly IS a vaccine? When did we come up with the first vaccine? How many vaccines are out there? Why is it called a vaccine? The curiosities continue.
Pediatricians are thankful for this newfound zeal to learn about vaccines, as vaccination is an integral part of childhood health. Indeed, we’ve seen vaccination rates go up, especially for the yearly flu shot! Another shot we love to discuss and is very important for teenagers is the HPV shot. What should you as parents know about the HPV vaccine? That’s exactly what we are here to help you with! The most important question for any parent is WHY.
FIVE REASONS WHY YOUR TEEN SHOULD GET THE HPV SHOT:
It protects your child from certain strains of Human Papilloma Virus that can become cancer – like cervical, head and neck cancer, anal, and penile cancer. The vaccine protects them by preventing exposure to virus strains that can progress to cancer later in life.
It can prevent over 90% of HPV-causing cancers. Most HPV causing cancers occur at a young age, which is why this vaccine is given in childhood. The immune system needs to be primed in order for it to be ready when exposed to HPV. Approximately 14 million NEW HPV infections occur in America per year. Some estimate that 1 in 4 college students have or carry HPV.
Vaccination of boys is JUST as important. It’s a common misconception that only girls need it with its well-known association with cervical cancer. But, more than 4/10 HPV-caused cancers occur in men! The Human Papilloma Virus infects a specific cell type, commonly found in certain areas of skin and membranes, like the head, neck, anus, and penis – things found in men.
The vaccine does NOT cause infection, cancer or infertility. The vaccine contains only a protein of the virus that is not infectious nor can it lead to cancer. It also does not cause infertility. In fact, it helps prevent it! Cervical cancer later in life can impact a woman's fertility, and by helping prevent certain cervical cancers, it preserves fertility.
You do NOT have to have sexual intercourse to contract HPV. HPV is contracted through close contact with another individual. Skin-to-skin may be enough.
At what age should your teen get it?
The HPV shot is recommended around 10-12 years of age. You can start it from age 9-14. It comes in 2 doses, 6-12 months apart. But if your child is 15-26, they will need 3 doses, over 6 months. Remember, you CAN get these shots at the same time as other vaccines!
Finally, let’s talk about side effects!
The most worrisome thing about vaccines for adults, teens, and children alike are their side effects. The HPV vaccine is like any other vaccine, so many of its side effects are ones that can occur after any vaccine! Some side effects your teen may notice after getting the shot are:
Pain, redness, swelling in the site of injection. This is the most common thing you’ll see.
Slight fever.
Dizziness/fainting. This is common in all vaccines, but in our experience, it usually happens in those prone to fainting or scared of needles.
Nausea, fatigue, body ache, and headache. These effects are very rare.
Exactly how safe is HPV vaccine ?
Over 120 million total doses have been administered so far, there is over 12 years of research indicating its safety and efficacy, and it’s approved by the FDA.
It IS preventing cancer, which until recently, was the 21st century’s biggest medical challenge! Covid19 has sadly stolen that limelight.
Head and neck cancer is not pretty. People with head and neck cancer often have to get tubes placed in their necks and undergo harsh treatment. Cervical cancer is painful and can cause infertility!
In the US, infections of HPV that cause cancer among teens have dropped 86%.
Among vaccinated women in the US, HPV-induced cervical precancer that is linked to cervical cancer has dropped by 40 percent. This vaccine is reducing these numbers.
When we discuss who should get a vaccine, it is equally important to know who shouldn’t. Are there cases when you may need to hold off on getting the vaccine? Yes, there are.
Anyone who’s had a severe, life-threatening reaction to a previous dose of the HPV vaccine.
Anyone who has a yeast allergy may not be able to take Gardasil, the usual vaccine brand in the US. Ask your doctor about other options!
If you could be pregnant.
Remember, you can STILL take it if you are mildly sick – like down with a cold. If you are severely ill, take it after you’ve recovered.
We hope that we were able to do justice to this important topic and assuage any major doubts about the HPV vaccine. Keep these points in the back of your mind as your child gets older. Open a discussion with your child as well as your pediatrician and they approach 9-10 years of age about the HPV vaccine! As Hamilton would say, we do NOT want you to throw away your shot!
As always, follow us @thepedipals, tune into our podcast, and let us know how we’re doing! Here’s to happy, healthy, and well-balanced children!
Your PediPals