Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can lead to various cancers, making it essential for parents to understand how to protect their child from potential health issues in the future. Dr. Lyn Nuse, senior medical director of pediatric primary care at Atrium Health Levine Children's in the greater Charlotte market, answers five key questions parents may have about HPV and the vaccine, and how the vaccine offers long-term protection against cancer.
Understanding HPV
Nuse explains that HPV affects nearly 80% of people in the U.S. at some point in their lives, which makes it incredibly common, increasing the risk of an HPV-related cancer developing in thousands of people each year. It is primarily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact.
According to Nuse, "10% of people can have chronic infections with certain strains of the virus that can lead to different types of cancer, including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile, mouth and throat cancers.”
Nuse says the troubling aspect of HPV is that it often causes no symptoms, meaning individuals can carry and transmit the virus without knowing it.
“This shows the importance of preventive measures, as there is currently no early detection test for most HPV-related cancers, with the exception of cervical cancer through Pap smears,” Nuse says.
How important is the HPV vaccine?
Vaccination is the most effective way to protect your child against HPV-related diseases. Nuse says the current HPV vaccine protects patients from nine different HPV strains that cause the majority of genital, anal, mouth and throat cancers in both males and females.
“Vaccinating children before they are exposed to HPV is critical, as it can dramatically decrease their risk of developing HPV-related cancers,” Nuse says. “Because HPV is so common, your child will likely be exposed to the virus at some point in their lives. The risk of not vaccinating is that your child could become one of the over 30,000 people diagnosed with an HPV-related cancer in the U.S. each year.”
How effective is the HPV vaccine?
Nuse says the HPV vaccine is nearly 100% effective in preventing chronic infections and subsequent cancers from the nine HPV strains it targets.
“In the U.S., the HPV vaccine can prevent over 30,000 cases of cancer and 4,000-5,000 deaths each year” Nuse says.
When should my child get the HPV vaccine?
There are a several common misconceptions about children getting the HPV vaccine. Some parents feel that their child is too young to receive the HPV vaccine, expressing concern that their child is not yet sexually active, or that the vaccine will encourage sexual activity at a young age.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the ideal age for vaccination is before a person is sexually active. Nuse explains that this timing is crucial because the vaccine is most effective when given before any exposure to HPV. Additionally, there is no research that links the HPV vaccine to an increase in sexual activity.
The CDC recommends that children receive the HPV vaccine between the ages of 9 and 13. Two doses of the HPV shot are needed, 6-12 months apart.
“This early vaccination is crucial because the immune system responds better at younger ages,” Nuse says. “The vaccine can typically be given up to age 26, but the protection is less if the vaccine is given at older ages.”
The CDC recommends if the vaccine is given after age 15, three doses of the HPV shot should be given over six months.
Nuse says it’s normal for parents to have questions about the HPV vaccine. She says open communication with your child’s health care provider can help address any concerns and ensure that you and your child are fully informed about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.
What are the side effects of the HPV vaccine?
Overall, the side effects of the HPV vaccine are minimal compared to the significant benefits of protecting your child against HPV-related cancers.
“HPV vaccination is one of the most studied and safest vaccines available,” Nuse says. “The most common side effects are the ones we see with any vaccine - pain, redness or swelling at the spot where the shot was given. Around 10% of patients may have a mild fever.”
What are the long-term benefits of the HPV vaccination?
Nuse says the long-term benefits of vaccinating your child against HPV cannot be overstated.
“Almost every one of us has had someone we know or loved suffer through a cancer diagnosis,” Nuse says. “For me, it was my father, who died of metastatic lung cancer. If he had had the opportunity to take a vaccine as a child that would have decreased his risk of developing lung cancer as an adult, I know he would have taken it. Unfortunately, a lung cancer vaccine does not exist. But we do have an incredibly effective vaccine to prevent the types of cancer caused by the HPV virus.”
By vaccinating your child between the ages of 9 and 13, you significantly reduce their lifetime risk of developing HPV-related cancers. The HPV vaccine can prevent the need for painful and devastating cancer treatments in the future.
Taking steps to protect your child from HPV is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for their long-term health. By understanding HPV, recognizing the importance of vaccination and knowing when to vaccinate, you can arm your child against potential HPV-related health issues.
Discuss your child’s HPV vaccine schedule at their next well-child visit. To find a pediatrician near you, visit our website.
