HPV Vaccination Schedule: A Parent's Guide

As a parent, you are your child’s biggest champion, guiding them through life’s milestones and making important decisions about their health.

What Is HPV?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. There are more than 100 types of HPV, and while most of them are harmless and cause no symptoms, about 40 types can infect the genital areas. Some of these are considered “low-risk” and may cause genital warts, while others are “high-risk” and can lead to cancer.

Each year, HPV causes nearly 37,000 cases of cancer in men and women in the U.S. These cancers include:

• Cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in women

• Penile cancer in men

• Anal and throat (oropharyngeal) cancers in both men and women

The virus spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact, which means anyone who is sexually active can get it, even if they have only had one partner. Because HPV often has no symptoms, a person can have the virus and pass it on without ever knowing it. This is why prevention is so powerful.

The HPV Vaccine: Cancer Prevention in a Shot

The HPV vaccine is one of the most significant public health breakthroughs of our time because it is a cancer-preventing vaccine. It works by protecting your child from the specific HPV types that cause most related cancers and genital warts. By getting the vaccine long before they are ever exposed to the virus, their body builds a strong immune response that provides lasting protection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended routine HPV vaccination for over 15 years. Since then, infections with HPV types that cause most cancers and genital warts have dropped by an incredible 88% among teen girls and 81% among young adult women. The vaccine is not just for girls; it is equally important for boys to prevent genital warts and cancers of the throat, anus, and penis.

The Recommended HPV Vaccination Schedule

Timing is everything when it comes to the HPV vaccine. The goal is to complete the series well before any potential exposure to the virus. At Colonia Pediatrics, your pediatrician in Avenel follows the schedule recommended by the CDC for maximum effectiveness.

For Children Ages 9-12:

• Recommended Age: The ideal time to start the series is at age 11 or 12, often during the same visit as the Tdap and meningococcal vaccines.

• Number of Doses: Two doses are needed.

• Timing: The second dose should be given 6 to 12 months after the first dose.

Starting the vaccine at this younger age produces a more robust immune response. If your child receives their first dose before their 15th birthday, they only need the two-dose series.

For Teens and Young Adults Ages 15-26:

• Number of Doses: Three doses are needed.
• Timing: The schedule for the three-dose series is:
• • First Dose: Given today.

• • Second Dose: Given 1 to 2 months after the first dose.
  • Third Dose: Given 6 months after the first dose.

Anyone who starts the series on or after their 15th birthday will need all three shots to be fully protected.

What if My Child is Behind Schedule?

It’s never too late to get back on track. If your child missed a dose, there is no need to restart the series. Simply schedule an appointment with your pediatrician to get the next shot as soon as possible. Our team at Colonia Pediatrics can help you figure out the best timing for any remaining doses.

Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?

The CDC recommends the HPV vaccine for everyone through age 26, if they were not adequately vaccinated already.

• All boys and girls ages 11-12 should receive the vaccine. Vaccination can start as early as age 9.

• Teens and young adults through age 26 who did not start or finish the series should get vaccinated as soon as possible.

For adults ages 27 through 45, the decision to get the HPV vaccine is based on shared clinical decision-making. This means you should have a conversation with your doctor about your personal risk factors to decide if the vaccine is right for you. The vaccine provides less benefit in this age group, as most people have already been exposed to HPV.

Is the HPV Vaccine Safe?

Yes, the HPV vaccine is very safe. It has been used in the United States and around the world for more than 15 years and has been the subject of extensive safety testing and monitoring. Over 135 million doses have been distributed in the U.S. alone. Like any vaccine, it can have side effects, but they are almost always mild and temporary.

Common side effects include:

• Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given

• Dizziness or fainting (this is common among adolescents with any vaccine)

• Nausea

• Headache

• Feeling tired

Serious side effects are extremely rare. The benefits of preventing cancer far outweigh the potential risks of mild, temporary side effects.

How Colonia Pediatrics Can Help

At Colonia Pediatrics, we are committed to being your trusted partner in your child’s lifelong health journey. We understand that you may have questions about the HPV vaccination schedule, and our team is here to provide the answers and support you need.

Our pediatricians in Avenel will:

• Provide Clear Information: We take the time to explain the importance of the HPV vaccine and answer all your questions so you can make a confident decision.

• Track Your Child’s Immunizations: We help you stay on schedule with all recommended vaccines, ensuring your child receives their doses at the right time.

• Administer Vaccines Safely: Our experienced clinical team provides vaccinations in a calm, caring, and professional environment.
• Create a Welcoming Space: We encourage open dialogue. No question is too small when it comes to protecting your child from a preventable cancer.

Schedule This Life-Saving Vaccine Today

The HPV vaccine is a safe and proven tool to protect your child from several types of cancer later in life. By following the recommended HPV vaccination schedule, you are taking a powerful step toward securing their future health.

If your child is due for their HPV vaccine or you have questions about their immunization status, contact Colonia Pediatrics today. Let’s work together to give your child the gift of cancer prevention.