Arizona Department of Health Services
The human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) can prevent cancers. Every year in the United States, 36,500 people (including women and men) are estimated to be diagnosed with a cancer caused by HPV infection. Although cervical cancer is the most well-known of the cancers caused by HPV, there are other types of cancer caused by HPV.
HPV vaccination could prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV from ever developing. This is an estimated 33,700 cases in the United States every year.
HPV Facts and Trends
- HPV can cause six types of cancer: These include anal cancer, cervical cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, penile cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer.
- Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer rates are increasing: These cancers are more than twice as common in men as in women.
- HPV vaccination can prevent cancer: HPV vaccines can prevent infection with disease-causing HPV types, preventing many HPV-related cancers and cases of genital warts.
- Since 2006, when HPV vaccines were first used in the United States, HPV infections and cervical precancers (abnormal cells on the cervix that can lead to cancer) have decreased dramatically, up to 88 percent, in girls and women who have received HPV vaccines.
HPV Vaccination
The best way to prevent HPV infection is to get vaccinated. That is why it is important that all children and even young adults get vaccinated against HPV.
When should children get the HPV vaccine?
- The vaccine is given as a series of shots. HPV vaccination works best when given between ages 9 and 12.
- Children ages 11–12 years should get two doses of HPV vaccine, given 6 to 12 months apart. HPV vaccines can be given starting at age 9.
- Children who start the HPV vaccine series on or after their 15th birthday need three doses given over 6 months.
Children and young adults aged 13 through 26 who have not been vaccinated or haven’t gotten all their doses should get the vaccine as soon as possible.
Teens and young adults can be vaccinated, too
Everyone through age 26 should get the HPV vaccine if they were not fully vaccinated already. HPV vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years.
Everyone through age 26 should get the HPV vaccine if they are not fully vaccinated already. HPV vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years.
- However, some adults ages 27 through 45 who are not already vaccinated might choose to get HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and possible benefits of vaccination for them.
HPV vaccination of adults provides less benefit because more people in this age range have been exposed to HPV already.
For More Information
HPV, the Vaccine for HPV, and Cancers Caused by HPV | CDC
HPV Vaccine | Human Papillomavirus (HPV) | CDC
Oral Cavity & Oropharyngeal Cancer Key Statistics 2021 | American Cancer Society
The Bureau of Immunization Services (BIZS) has clinical staff available to assist with your immunization questions. Contact the following individuals (or your county health department) for assistance:
Kate Whitman, MSE, BSN, Kathleen.Whitman@azdhs.gov, 480-259-5342
Sharon Sweeney, MPH, BSN, Sharon.Sweeney@azdhs.gov, 480-261-5557
