HPV Vaccine
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
We encourage all patients and parents to be current on all immunizations.
HPV Frequently Asked Questions
What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that can cause cancers later in life. HPV infections can cause certain types of cancers, including: ‚ cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in women ‚ penile cancer in men ‚ anal cancers in both men and women ‚ cancers of tonsils, base of tongue, and back of throat (oropharyngeal cancer) in both men and women HPV infections can also cause anogenital warts.
How common is HPV?
Nearly 42 million people are currently infected with HPV in the United States. About 13 million people, including teens, become infected with HPV each year.
In the U.S., nearly 36,000 people are estimated to be affected by a cancer caused by HPV infection each year. While there is screening for cervical cancer that can detect cancer early, there is no recommended screening for the other cancers caused by HPV infection, like cancers of the back of the throat, anus, penis, vagina, or vulva.
Why get vaccinated?
HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine can prevent infection with some types of human papillomavirus.
HPV vaccine can prevent over 90% of cancers caused by HPV.
HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin or sexual contact.
HPV infections are so common that nearly all people will get at least one type of HPV at some time in their lives.
Most HPV infections go away on their own within 2 years. But sometimes HPV infections will last longer and can cause cancers later in life.
When should I get the HPV vaccine?
HPV vaccine is routinely recommended for adolescents at 11 or 12 years of age to ensure they are protected before they are exposed to the virus.
HPV vaccine may be given beginning at age 9 years and vaccination is recommended for everyone through 26 years of age.
How well do HPV vaccines work?
HPV vaccination works extremely well. HPV vaccine has the potential to prevent more than 90% of HPV-attributable cancers.
Since HPV vaccination was first recommended in 2006, infections with HPV types that cause most HPV cancers and genital warts have dropped 88% among teen girls and 81% among young adult women.
Fewer teens and young adults are getting genital warts.
HPV vaccination has also reduced the number of cases of precancers of the cervix in young women.
Additional Information on Immunizations
To schedule your child an appointment to receive immunizations, call 208-523-3060.
“My kids love going here and the staff have been great helping them through blood draws and vaccines. Dr. Aughney is fantastic and anytime we see someone due to a weekend appointment we have never been disappointed. Dr. Aughney even called to follow up with my daughter when she had a knee injury.“
“Staff is always friendly and welcoming, I never feel like we’re being rushed through. Rooms are cute and kept very clean. Doctors are fantastic, warm, knowledgeable, and friendly. All our family take their kids here – and we have a big family. We highly recommend the Pediatric Center. “
“My kids are autistic and we love Dr. Anderson. He has been such a help in getting services for my kids. He’s patient and understanding with them. I’m able to ask questions and he has amazing bedside manner. He’s the best doctor they have ever had. The nurses are so friendly there and I don’t get stressed when we come.“