Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. It can cause cancers of the genital regions in men and women, as well as cancers of the throat.
The HPV vaccine protects against these cancers. The vaccine is FDA-approved to be given at age 9, and recommended for preteen boys and girls at age 11 and 12 so they are protected before ever being exposed to the human papillomavirus. Everyone needs more than one dose. Talk to your doctor about the best way for you to complete the series.