Known as human papillomavirus, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted virus among both men and women. It infects more than 14 million people each year.

The HPV vaccine is a preventative method – NOT a treatment or cure. However, getting the vaccine may prevent 90% of its related cancers.
HPV Vaccine FAQs
- HPV, also known as human papillomavirus, is the most common sexually transmitted virus.
- It is spread by people with or without symptoms through skin-to-skin contact such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
- It mainly affects young adults and infects more than 14 million people each year.
- Over 80% of people who are sexually active will have HPV at some point in their lives.
- People can acquire different strains of HPV over time. As life and your relationships change, if you’re unvaccinated, you can still acquire the cancer associated strains later in life.
- At any age, having a new sexual partner puts one at risk for developing a new HPV infection.
- There are over 200 types of HPV, of which, more than 12 types can result in cancer.
- High-risk HPV can infect normal cells causing them to become abnormal and precancerous which could develop into cancer if not addressed.
- HPV can cause several types of cancers affecting the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, mouth and throat.
- There are greater than 36,000 cases of cancer caused by HPV every year in the United States.
- Condoms decrease the spread of HPV, but are not 100% effective against HPV.
- The HPV vaccination NOT a treatment or cure.
- Vaccination against HPV can help prevent 90% of its related cancers.
- Gardasil-9 is the only HPV vaccination offered in the United States.
- You will need 2-3 doses depending on your age.
- People 9-45 can get the vaccine if they are unvaccinated or did not finish the HPV vaccine series.
- The HPV vaccination is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Over 15 years of monitoring and research has proven the HPV vaccination to be effective and safe.
- If you are between the ages of 9-45 years old and are unvaccinated or did not complete the HPV vaccine series, speak with your healthcare professional about receiving the HPV vaccine.