Protecting Your Future: Why the HPV Vaccine Matters
April 24, 2025
When it comes to protecting your health or your child’s future, few tools are as powerful as prevention—and the HPV vaccine is a shining example.
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Most people who are sexually active will contract it at some point in their lives. While many strains of HPV go away on their own without causing harm, some can lead to serious health issues—including cervical cancer, throat cancer, and genital warts.
That’s why HPV is more than just a personal concern—it’s a public health issue.
The good news? HPV is preventable. A safe and effective vaccine is available that protects against the most dangerous strains of the virus. By choosing vaccination, you’re not only protecting yourself or your child, but helping to stop HPV-related cancers before they start.
What Is HPV and How Is It Spread?
Human papillomavirus, or HPV, refers to a large group of over 100 related viruses. Some types of HPV cause common skin warts, while others—especially the high-risk strains—can lead to serious health problems like cervical cancer, throat cancer, and other forms of cancer in both men and women.
What makes HPV particularly tricky is that it’s often silent. Most people with HPV don’t have symptoms and may never know they’ve been infected, which means it can easily be passed from one person to another without anyone realizing it.
HPV is primarily spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. You don’t have to have intercourse to contract HPV—any close genital contact can transmit it.
Because of its mode of transmission and its prevalence, HPV is most common in teenagers and young adults—especially those in their late teens and early 20s. However, anyone who is sexually active can be exposed, regardless of age or gender.
Most HPV infections go away on their own within a couple of years, but some high-risk types can linger in the body and cause cancer later in life. That’s why prevention through vaccination is so important, especially before exposure.
The Health Risks of HPV
While many HPV infections clear up on their own without causing any harm, some strains can have serious long-term consequences—especially the high-risk types that don’t go away.
The most well-known risk of HPV is cervical cancer, which is almost always caused by HPV. In fact, HPV is responsible for more than 90% of cervical cancer cases. But the dangers don’t stop there. HPV can also lead to:
Cancers of the anus, vulva, and vagina
Penile and testicular cancer
Oropharyngeal cancer (cancer in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils)
HPV doesn’t just affect women. Men are also at risk, particularly for throat and anal cancers, many of which are directly linked to HPV infections.
In addition to cancer, HPV can cause genital warts, which are uncomfortable, difficult to treat, and can return even after removal.
What makes HPV particularly concerning is that it often lies dormant for years, so someone may not know they have it until a serious health issue appears later in life. That’s why prevention is key—by stopping the virus before it starts, we can significantly reduce the risk of these life-altering diseases.
Why the HPV Vaccine Is Important
The best protection against HPV-related cancers and health complications is simple: vaccination.
The HPV vaccine is safe, highly effective, and long-lasting. It works by teaching your immune system to recognize and fight off the most dangerous types of HPV—including the ones most likely to cause cancer. By preventing infection in the first place, the vaccine significantly lowers the risk of developing HPV-related diseases later in life.
Health experts recommend that the vaccine be given to children around ages 11 to 12, well before they’re ever exposed to the virus. It can be given as early as age 9 and is most effective when completed before any type of sexual activity begins.
Here’s what makes the HPV vaccine so valuable:
It prevents cancer – including cervical, anal, throat, and other HPV-related cancers.
It’s been proven safe through extensive testing and real-world use.
It offers long-term protection—most people will only need two or three doses in their lifetime.
It benefits everyone—regardless of gender.
By choosing to vaccinate, you're not only protecting yourself or your child—you’re contributing to a healthier community. Fewer infections mean fewer chances for HPV to spread and fewer lives impacted by preventable cancers.
Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?
One of the most common questions we hear is: “Is the HPV vaccine right for me or my child?”
In most cases, the answer is yes.
Here’s a quick breakdown of who should get vaccinated:
Children aged 11–12 (can start as early as age 9) This is the ideal time to get vaccinated—before any exposure to the virus. At this age, only two doses are needed, spaced 6–12 months apart.
Teens and young adults ages 13–26 If they didn’t receive the vaccine earlier, they can still catch up. Depending on their age at the time of the first dose, they may need three doses instead of two.
Adults ages 27–45 The vaccine is also FDA-approved for people in this age range. While it's most effective when given earlier, many adults can still benefit—especially if they haven’t been exposed to all types of HPV. It’s best to talk with your healthcare provider about your personal risk and whether getting vaccinated makes sense for you.
No matter your age, if you haven’t been fully vaccinated, there’s a good chance it’s still worth it. Even one dose can offer some protection, and completing the full series gives you the best chance of preventing future health issues.
Where and How to Get the HPV Vaccine
Getting the HPV vaccine is quick, easy, and available right here in our community.
We welcome walk-ins and scheduled appointments. If you have insurance, most plans—including Medicaid—cover the cost of the HPV vaccine.
Whether you’re a parent, a teen, or an adult looking to catch up—our team is here to help make the process smooth, affordable, and judgment-free.
HPV is extremely common—but the cancers it causes don’t have to be.
By getting vaccinated, you’re not just avoiding an uncomfortable infection. You’re protecting yourself—and the people you love—from potentially life-threatening diseases. That’s powerful.
We often talk about "future you"—the person you’re working to become. Vaccination is one simple, effective way to make sure future you stays healthy, strong, and cancer-free.
Whether you’re making decisions for your child or for yourself, we’re here to support you with clear information and compassionate care every step of the way.
