July 28, 2026
Vaccinations often get a bad rap, and misinformation can make it challenging to sort fact from fiction. But when it comes to the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine, knowing the facts can prevent a life-changing disease.
HPV is extremely common and nearly everyone who is not vaccinated will acquire it at some point in their life. There are many types of HPV, and although most do not cause cancer, persistent infection with certain high-risk types can. The vaccine protects against the HPV types responsible for most HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
"As a patient, you can choose to get vaccinated, not to reverse cancer, but to prevent it in the first place," says Mark Hunter, MD, MU Health Care gynecologic oncologist and OB/GYN. "When making the decision to get vaccinated, it’s important to sift through everything you hear and pay attention to what the data says about cancer vaccines, and the HPV vaccine in particular."
In a previous article, we shared what you need to know about HPV. Now, we're here to help you uncover the truth about HPV vaccination. Dr. Hunter shares the facts about four of the most common misconceptions.
Misconception #1: The HPV Shot Is a Newer Vaccine and May Not Be Safe
Truth: HPV Vaccination Is Well-Studied and Has an Excellent Safety Record
The HPV vaccine has been available to patients for more than 20 years. That may not seem very long compared to some vaccines — tetanus and polio, for instance — but it's plenty of time to collect evidence-based safety data. The HPV vaccine underwent rigorous testing before it was approved and has been studied ever since.
"We have nearly two decades of safety monitoring showing no evidence of unexpected serious, long-term harms associated with the vaccine," Dr. Hunter says. "There's a lot of misinformation out there, but the data clearly show that HPV vaccination prevents HPV infections, precancers and cancers with an excellent safety record. Its benefits greatly outweigh its known risks."
The HPV vaccination may cause the typical mild and temporary side effects associated with receiving a shot, such as soreness, redness and swelling at the injection site. But the vaccine doesn't contain live HPV and cannot cause HPV infection. It also does not contain any traces of egg, gelatin or pork-derived ingredients.
Misconception #2: You Don't Need the HPV Vaccine Until You Are Sexually Active
Truth: The HPV Vaccine Is Most Effective When Given in Childhood
You're probably wondering, "If HPV is a sexually transmitted disease, why would someone need it before they are sexually active?" But the fact is that vaccines work best before you are exposed to the virus. And most people are first exposed to HPV in their teens and early twenties.
Another reason why so many vaccines are given in childhood is that immune response and memory are more robust in young people. HPV vaccination can begin at age 9 and is routinely recommended at ages 11 or 12. When given before HPV exposure, the vaccine is highly effective against infections and precancers caused by the HPV types it targets and has the potential to prevent more than 90% of HPV-related cancers.
“Vaccinating at a younger age provides protection well before likely exposure, and population studies show greater cancer prevention when vaccination occurs earlier,” Dr. Hunter says. “If you wait, you lose some of the vaccine's best potential to prevent infection and future disease."
Vaccination is recommended for everyone from ages 9 to 26. HPV is not routinely recommended after age 26, although some adults ages 27-45 may benefit after discussion with their health professional. The potential benefit is generally smaller at older ages, but some previously unvaccinated adults may still gain protection against HPV types they have not encountered.
Misconception #3: Only Females Need to Get the HPV Vaccine
Truth: Boys and Men Need HPV Shots Too
Many people believe that HPV vaccination is only for girls and women since it protects against female cancers affecting the cervix, vagina and vulva. But those aren't the only diseases related to HPV. It can also cause:
- Anal cancer
- Head and neck (oropharyngeal) cancers
- Genital warts
- Penile cancer
HPV-related cancers are less common in men than in women. However, men also experience a substantial burden of HPV-related disease, particularly HPV-associated head and neck cancers. It's also important to remember that you can have HPV and pass it along without knowing it.
Most HPV infections go away on their own within two years. But in some cases, HPV may persist or become detectable again years after the original infection, which means a person can transmit HPV without symptoms or knowing that they are infected. Experts estimate that 90% of HPV-related cancers can be prevented when the vaccination guidelines are followed.
"People don't always think about vaccinations as a way to protect their partner's health, and parents certainly don't think about it in terms of their child's future partner," Dr. Hunter says. "By vaccinating your son, you are protecting him from HPV-related disease and helping reduce the risk of transmission to his future partners."
Misconception #4: You Don't Need HPV Vaccination If You Get Pap Smears Regularly
Truth: Pap Smears Are Not a Substitute for the HPV Vaccine
A Pap smear is a screening test looks for abnormal cervical cells, including precancers that can be treated before they progress to cancer. HPV vaccination prevents the cervical cancer-causing infection before it causes cancer. Vaccination and recommended cervical screening are complementary strategies for preventing cervical cancer and reducing deaths.
"I have patients in my clinic all the time who have been married for 40 years or are in a long-term monogamous relationship and still present with cervical cancer," Dr. Hunter says. "For eligible patients, the vaccine has an excellent safety profile, and its potential benefits outweigh its risks.”
Next Steps and Useful Resources
- Want to discuss more with a doctor? Find a primary care provider or OB/GYN today.
