Dismiss Modal

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common viral infection. It often causes a subclinical infection that goes unnoticed which is why 80 percent of Americans will get infected in their lifetime and most won't know it. Approximately 79 million Americans are currently infected and 14 million new infections occur every year. The majority of infections have no symptoms and resolve within two years without any ill effect. Some HPV infections cause warts, which can be painful and difficult to treat. There are two kinds of warts: skin warts and mucosal warts. While most of these warts will eventually go away with enough time, some can eventually lead to cancer. Genital cancers caused by HPV in women include those involving the cervix, vagina and anus, and in males involving the penis, scrotum and anus. HPV- associated infections can cause infections of the mouth and throat in both males and females, which may lead to cancer, and, in fact, these HPV-linked cancers are known to be more common than head and neck cancers caused by smoking and oral tobacco. The concerning genital HPV infections that might lead to cancer result from skin-to-skin contact, and condom use does not completely prevent the spread of these infections. There are nearly 31,000 HPV-associated cancers each year with 4,000 deaths annually in the United States.

Treatment of HPV lesions can sometimes be effective but there is no specific treatment for the virus itself. 

Prevention of HPV infections and the associated cancers is very effective. When groups of individuals who received HPV vaccine were studied, it has been reported that 97% developed antibodies to the specific viruses. Moreover, researchers report a 90 percent reduction in the genital warts associated with HPV in both males and females. The full impact of HPV vaccine on cancer may take decades since the time from infection to development of cancer can take some years. 

HPV vaccine has been used since 2006; it is approved by the Food and Drug Administration and it is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Over 90 million doses of HPV vaccine have been distributed in the United States and many more doses have been given worldwide. The common side effects of the vaccine are local tenderness at the site of injection, fever and headache; there have been some cases of fainting with injection, which is why individuals are required to remain seated for 15 minutes after receiving the shot.   

While HPV vaccines have been shown to be highly effective in preventing cervical cancers, genital warts and anal pre-cancers, it has not been shown to have any therapeutic effect, meaning it will not affect the progression of the disease once an individual has been infected. That is why it is very important to give HPV vaccine before there is any chance for being infected, typically at age 11 or 12. Studies have shown that the vaccine effect is long-lasting and the more robust immune response in younger children means that they only need 2 shots to be considered adequately protected (whereas you need 3 if you wait until 15 years of age or older to start the series). 

Some parents are concerned that getting their son or daughter vaccinated against HPV gives the adolescent permission to have sex. This has not been shown to be true. Discussing adolescent sexuality AND HPV vaccine is something that we would recommend for all parents and their adolescent children. Some studies have shown that having such discussions actually results in later initiation of sexual activity and more regular use of safe sex practices.    

HPV vaccination is cancer prevention pure and simple. We recommend it! Don't miss this valuable opportunity to protect the ones you love!


Dr. Chris Kjolhede and Dr. Kerri LeBlanc are pediatricians with Bassett Healthcare Network and co-directors of Bassett's School-Based Health Program.