The HPV vaccine can prevent some cancers of the mouth, throat, sex organs and cervix that are caused by the HPV virus. It also prevents genital warts caused by this common virus.

Starting at age 9, both boys and girls should get the vaccine to prevent cancer. This vaccine will help prevent infection from the HPV viruses that cause genital warts, as well as cancers of the mouth and throat, penis and anus.

• Dose 1 (age 9-14 years)
• Dose 2 (at least 6 months after Dose 1)

Children who start their vaccine series at age 15 years and older need to get three
doses of the vaccine.

• Dose 1 (age 15+ years)
• Dose 2 (1-2 months after Dose 1)
• Dose 3 (At least 6 months after Dose 1)

Your child can get the HPV vaccine from their primary care provider, clinic, community pharmacy, or community health department. To find a primary care clinic near you visit IntermountainHealthcare.org.

All vaccines used in the U.S. are well tested for safety before they are approved and licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Once in use, they are regularly checked to make sure they are safe and effective. The HPV Vaccine is approved by the FDA and is recommended by the CDC to prevent HPV infections and HPV related cancers. The vaccine was tested to make sure it was safe, both before and after the vaccine was licensed in 2006. Since then, no safety concerns have been found in the large studies. The CDC and FDA have looked at the study information for the vaccine and have declared it safe. The HPV vaccine is made from a single protein from the HPV virus that is not infectious or carcinogenic. This means it cannot cause HPV infection or cancer; it prevents them.

Statistics and recommendations updated from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2018)