The HPV Vaccine is a Lifesaver
The HPV Vaccine is a Lifesaver (Text Version)
The HPV vaccine is...
Cancer Prevention
HPV vaccination can protect against the types of HPV that cause most cases of cancer of the cervix
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Effective Against Multiple Types of Cancer
HPV vaccination also protects against the infections that can cause cancer of the vagina, vulva, anus/rectum, throat, and penis
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Protective
Age 11 to 12 (Target Age): Most effective for girls and boys when vaccinated at this age
Through age 26 (Catch-up Age): Provides protection for people even if sexually active
Older than 26: Talk with your doctor about HPV vaccination if you have not been vaccinated and are at risk of a new HPV infection.
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Safe
Millions of people have received the HPV vaccine without serious adverse effects
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Get the Facts
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- HPV infections are very common, and 8 in 10 people will get one in their lives.
- HPV vaccination is not linked to more or earlier sexual activity.
- HPV vaccine is given in a series of two or three shots over several months, depending on your age.
- It is still important to be screened for cervical cancer starting at age 21.
- In addition to cancer, the HPV vaccine also protects against genital warts in males and females.
Abbreviation: HPV, human papillomavirus.
Want More Information?
Talk with your ob-gyn or visit www.acog.org/Patients-HPV-Vaccine
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PFSI020: This information is designed as an educational aid to patients and sets forth current information and opinions related to women’s health. It is not intended as a statement of the standard of care, nor does it comprise all proper treatments or methods of care. It is not a substitute for a treating clinician’s independent professional judgment. For ACOG’s complete disclaimer, visit www.acog.org/WomensHealth-Disclaimer.
Copyright August 2020 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, posted on the internet, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher.
This infographic was supported by a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC.