--- title: "Why Your Preteen Needs the HPV Vaccine at Sutter Health" description: "This safe, accessible treatment permanently protects your child from contracting a common STD that causes many cancers, including cervical cancer." url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/hpv-vaccine" --- 1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Health and wellness](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health) / 3. Hpv Vaccine # Why Preteens and Teens Need the HPV Vaccine Protect your child from certain cancers with this vaccination. * * * September 27, 2024Medically reviewed by [Tanya Nauenberg, M.D.](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-tanya-nauenberg-1046242949), Tanya Nauenberg, M.D. If you could protect your child from cancer, would you? That’s the question to ask when considering the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The HPV vaccine “is the first vaccine that protects against several types of cancer, which is amazing,” says Tanya Nauenberg, M.D., a pediatrician with Sutter Health in Santa Cruz. Among teen girls, infections with the viruses that cause most HPV cancers have dropped 88% since the vaccine became available in 2006, according to the CDC. “This is life changing,” she says. The risk of HPV is real and widespread. About 85% of unvaccinated people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives. It’s the most common sexually transmitted disease and leads to about 37,000 cancers every year.  In fact, deaths from HPV-related cancer surpass deaths from tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and meningococcal disease combined, says Dr. Nauenberg. Yet doctors say more than 90% of those cancers could be prevented by the vaccine. 1 / 2 1 / 2 ## Why start so young? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends girls and boys get the vaccine starting at age 9 to 12. Understandably, you may feel your preteen is awfully young to be thinking about sex. But it’s crucial to get immunized before a first sexual encounter because HPV transmits through sex — including vaginal, oral and anal sex and even intimate skin- and mucous-membrane contact. (Condoms can reduce HPV spread, but the virus can infect skin not covered by condoms.)  Adolescents who get their first HPV vaccine before age 15 only need two doses, while older teens need three doses. Why? Preteens produce more antibodies to the vaccine than older teens.  Once someone becomes infected with HPV, the vaccine won’t protect against the HPV virus variants already in their system, though it may help against other strains. The vaccine is recommended up to age 26. Some people aged 27 to 45 might choose to get the HPV vaccine after discussion with their doctor if they weren’t adequately vaccinated when younger. ## How safe is the HPV vaccine? “This vaccine has been monitored for more than 18 years, and found to be very safe and effective,” says Dr. Nauenberg. The most common side effects of the HPV vaccine are usually mild. Soreness where you got injected, tiredness, headache, joint pain or nausea and perhaps a low fever. “We have kids stay in the office for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine to make sure they don’t feel faint or light-headed,” she says. ## What are genital warts? If you’re worried that your teen or preteen may view the vaccine as a green light for sexual activity, take a breath. Numerous studies indicate absolutely no correlation between receiving the HPV vaccine and initiating or increasing sexual activity. ## Could vaccination eliminate cervical cancer? Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death among American women. And although about 4,360 women still die each year from cervical cancer, the rates have declined 11% every year among women aged 20 to 24, thanks mostly to the HPV vaccine. The World Health Organization says this vaccine “provides a path to elimination” of cervical cancer. Now that, Dr. Nauenberg says, “is truly amazing!”  ## What to know about HPV vaccine dosing Two doses of the HPV vaccine are recommended for most people who are vaccinated before age 15. The second dose should be given 6-12 months after the first dose. Teens who receive the doses less than 5 months apart will require a third dose of the vaccine. If your child starts the HPV vaccine at or after age 15, three doses are recommended. Find out more about [HPV vaccine safety](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/hpv.html "Please note you are leaving the Sutter Health website") from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ## Explore related topics [Parenting preteens and teens](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/articles?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Parenting+preteens+and+teens%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22builtin.entityType%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Sutter+Health+Page%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=health-and-wellness) ## Meet our care team ![Tanya Nauenberg, M.D.](http://a.mktgcdn.com/p/Mj3YUSXd9Ihif3xvYfbrF6qlsXWs9Jba0AcVg0N07XI/1.0000/191x191.jpg) [Tanya Nauenberg, M.D.](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-tanya-nauenberg-1046242949) Pediatrics ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org","logo":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/static/images/sutter-health-logo.svg","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"2200 River Plaza Drive","addressLocality":"Sacramento","addressRegion":"CA","postalCode":"95833","addressCountry":"US"},"areaServed":{"@type":"AdministrativeArea","name":"California"},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/SutterHealth","https://www.instagram.com/sutterhealth/","https://x.com/SutterHealth","https://www.youtube.com/sutterhealth","https://www.linkedin.com/company/sutter-health","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutter_Health"]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","name":"Why Your Preteen Needs the HPV Vaccine at Sutter Health","description":"This safe, accessible treatment permanently protects your child from contracting a common STD that causes many cancers, including cervical cancer.","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/hpv-vaccine","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/hpv-vaccine#breadcrumblist"}} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","headline":"Why Preteens and Teens Need the HPV Vaccine","alternativeHeadline":"Why Your Preteen Needs the HPV Vaccine at Sutter Health","description":"This safe, accessible treatment permanently protects your child from contracting a common STD that causes many cancers, including cervical cancer.","datePublished":"2024-09-27T15:20:56Z","dateModified":"2026-10-23T16:02:39Z","publisher":{"@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org"},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/people/teen-children/young-woman-smiles-after-hpv-vaccine.jpg?h=443&iar=0&w=788","width":"788","height":"443","caption":"young-woman-smiles-after-hpv-vaccine"},"@type":"MedicalWebPage","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/hpv-vaccine#breadcrumblist"},"reviewedBy":[{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Person","name":"Tanya Nauenberg, M.D.","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-tanya-nauenberg-1046242949"},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Person","name":"Tanya Nauenberg, M.D."}],"lastReviewed":"2026-10-23T16:02:39Z"} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/hpv-vaccine#breadcrumblist","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Health and wellness","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/health"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Hpv Vaccine"}]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"Cervical Cancer Screening: HPV Vaccine, Pap Tests and When to Get Them","thumbnailUrl":"https://cf-images.us-east-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/817826402001/3c28d7c5-411e-4f08-b7be-203fe0b9894e/ae048842-f033-490f-a3ed-678a638ac8d4/1280x720/match/image.jpg","uploadDate":"2020-12-03T18:44:57.006Z","embedUrl":"https://players.brightcove.net/817826402001/79bcaa57-54d7-453c-9f1f-8ab3ef7b15de/index.html?videoId=5993032283001","description":"About 79 million Americans have HPV, a virus that can lead to cervical cancer. But a simple vaccine can prevent this infection and protect you from cervical cancer. ","duration":"PT1M8S","transcript":"January is Cervical Health Awareness Month.\nSo let's take a minute to chat about cervical health and why it matters.\nApproximately 79 million people in the US have HPV\nor human papillomavirus which can lead to cervical cancer.\nThe good news is cervical cancer is largely preventable.\nAnd there are vaccines and tests available to make early detection a snap.\nHPV vaccines protect against the types\nof HPV that cause 90% of cervical cancers.\nThe vaccine can begin at ages 11 or 12.\nStarting at age 21, women should get a pap test every three years.\nAfter age 30, women should be\nco-tested with a pap plus HPV test every 3 to 5 years.\nThis robust vaccination and screening process\nis the best way to keep your cervix healthy.\nTo learn more about cervical health and HPV screening\nor to make an appointment with your provider, visit sutterhealth.org."} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"HPV and Flu Vaccines for Teens: What Parents Should Know","thumbnailUrl":"https://cf-images.us-east-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/817826402001/ba119fc8-2702-4f01-8979-e54f259c0dde/7a4bafd6-59c9-4346-93c0-670c24820ca9/1280x720/match/image.jpg","uploadDate":"2024-09-04T19:19:33.885Z","embedUrl":"https://players.brightcove.net/817826402001/79bcaa57-54d7-453c-9f1f-8ab3ef7b15de/index.html?videoId=6361510750112","description":"Make sure your preteen or teenage child has the vaccinations they need to stay healthy. Learn about the HPV vaccine, which can prevent certain types of cancer, and why the annual flu shot is especially important for teens.","duration":"PT2M47S","transcript":"[MUSIC PLAYING]\nTANYA NAUENBERG: Immunizations are\nvery important for our preteen and teenage children\nto help protect their health now and long into the future.\nTwo critical vaccinations for teens\nare the HPV vaccine and the flu shot.\nHuman PapillomaVirus, or HPV, is a common virus\nthat can lead to six types of cancer later in life.\nStudies show the HPV vaccine is highly effective\nand gives your child close to 100%\nprotection from HPV-related cancers.\nThe fact that we have a vaccine that\ncan help safeguard our children from cancer is truly amazing.\nThe American Academy of Pediatrics\nand the California Department of Public Health\nrecommends the HPV vaccine for girls and boys starting\nat age 11 to 12, but it can be given as early as age 9.\nBy vaccinating as early as age 9,\nwe ensure kids are protected well before any exposure\nto the virus.\nAnother vaccine that's important for young teens\nis the annual flu shot.\nThe flu can be particularly severe for teens,\nleading to missed school and affecting their ability\nto participate in sports and other activities.\nIn rare cases, it can lead to hospitalization.\nThe AAP and the CDPH recommends everyone age 6 months and older\nget a flu shot every year.\nAnd the flu vaccination is especially\ncrucial for teens with chronic health conditions like asthma\nor diabetes.\n\nParents often have questions about how vaccines are tested\nto make sure they're safe.\nVaccines, including those for HPV and flu,\nare researched and tested extensively for safety\nbefore being approved.\nFindings from vaccine safety monitoring systems\nand scientific studies have shown both vaccines have\nan excellent safety record.\n\nAt your vaccine appointment, let us\nknow if your child is anxious about shots\nand what helps them feel calmer.\nWe want to help in any way we can.\nTo prevent fainting, your child should\nsit or lie down while getting a vaccine\nand for 15 minutes after.\nWe also find distraction works well.\nYour teen is welcome to bring their mobile device\nor listen to their favorite music during the vaccination.\nIf you have any questions about vaccinations for your child,\nplease don't hesitate to ask your care team.\nWe're here to answer any questions you may have\nand to help you make informed decisions.\nWorking together, we can help keep\nour children and our community healthy and safe.\n[MUSIC PLAYING]"} ```