HPV vaccine FAQ

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that can cause cancers later in life. HPV infections can cause certain types of cancers, including: • cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in women • penile cancer in men • anal cancers in both men and women • cancers of tonsils, base of tongue, and back of throat (oropharyngeal cancer) in both men and women HPV infections can also cause anogenital warts.

Nearly 42 million people are currently infected with HPV in the United States. About 13 million people, including teens, become infected with HPV each year.

In the U.S., nearly 36,000 people are estimated to be affected by a cancer caused by HPV infection each year. While there is screening for cervical cancer that can detect cancer early, there is no recommended screening for the other cancers caused by HPV infection, like cancers of the back of the throat, anus, penis, vagina, or vulva.

HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine can prevent infection with some types of human papillomavirus.

HPV vaccine can prevent over 90% of cancers caused by HPV.

HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin or sexual contact.

HPV infections are so common that nearly all people will get at least one type of HPV at some time in their lives.

Most HPV infections go away on their own within 2 years. But sometimes HPV infections will last longer and can cause cancers later in life.

HPV vaccine is routinely recommended for adolescents at 11 or 12 years of age to ensure they are protected before they are exposed to the virus.

HPV vaccine may be given beginning at age 9 years and vaccination is recommended for everyone through 26 years of age.

HPV vaccination works extremely well. HPV vaccine has the potential to prevent more than 90% of HPV-attributable cancers.

Since HPV vaccination was first recommended in 2006, infections with HPV types that cause most HPV cancers and genital warts have dropped 88% among teen girls and 81% among young adult women.

Fewer teens and young adults are getting genital warts.

HPV vaccination has also reduced the number of cases of precancers of the cervix in young women.