MSK is one of the world’s leading institutions for the investigation of HPV-related cancers. The HPV vaccine is the single best preventative measure available to protect against HPV-related infections that can cause cancers and other serious side effects.
Watch this short animation to learn the difference between the myths associated with the vaccine and the facts on how to protect yourself and your family from HPV-related cancers.
HPV Vaccine Get the Facts Transcript
Think you know everything about the HPV Vaccine
MSK Explorers Myths vs. Facts
Human Papilloma virus (HPV) is a type of virus that lives on the skin.
HPV is no big deal. It always clears on its own. Myth or Fact?
Myth.
Currently, about 8 in 10 people get HPV.
It’s spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact of the genital and throat areas.
But most people never know they have HPV.
For some, it can lead to 6 different types of cancer
Vaginal
Cervical
Vulvar
Mouth/Throat
Anal
Penile
As well as genital warts.
The HPV vaccine can prevent HPV-related cancer. Myth or Fact?
Fact.
To protect yourself and your family from developing HPV-related cancers and genital warts, get vaccinated.
HPV Vaccine
The vaccine trains the body to make antibodies that attach to HPV and stop it from spreading.
The vaccine is safe and FDA-approved.
The HPV vaccine is only for kids. Myth or Fact?
Myth.
The vaccine is available for people ages 9 to 45.
Doctors recommend getting the vaccine by age 12 because it provides the most benefit before exposure to HPV.
The HPV vaccine does not lead to children having sex at a younger age.
Regular cervical screenings are recommended for women, even after getting the HPV vaccine. Myth or Fact?
Fact.
While the vaccine reduces the risk of getting some cancers, it doesn’t prevent all cancers.
What are you waiting for?
Talk to your healthcare provider about the HPV vaccine for you and your family.
MSKCC.org
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center supports the use of the HPV vaccine when appropriate.