Act on Time!

Human Papillomavirus reference guide for parents and guardians of children aged 11-17



This program was developed by The University of Puerto Rico & The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Partnership for Excellence in Cancer Research Outreach Program with funding from the National Cancer Institute/National Institutes of Health under Grant [U54CA096297]; National Cancer Institute through a Community Networks Program Center under Grant [U54 CA153505]; and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number [2U54MD007587].



Our mission The Outreach Program emphasizes educating communities about cancer prevention and control. We work with community partners in identifying areas of cancer control need and building capacity for both community-based participatory research and program implementation. This program is funded by the National Cancer Institute's Center to Reduce Health Disparities.

ACTWhat is? on time!

Is an educational program for parents & guardians of kids aged 11- 17. With this program, you will learn about the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), HPV-caused cancers, and HPV vaccination. Follow along to learn how YOU can protect your child from HPV!

Have you heard about HPV? The Human Papilloma Virus or HPV is a very common virus that affects men and woman and can cause 6 different types of cancers.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) HPV is a group of more than 150 viruses that infect both men and women. These viruses are very common and can cause 6 types of cancer: cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal (mouth & throat).

In the USA, 14 million people each year become infected with HPV. If the infection does not clear on its own, it may result in cancer. Don’t let your child become part of this statistic!

About 14 million people in the USA, including teens, become infected with HPV each year. While most HPV infections will go away on their own, infections that don’t go away can cause certain types of cancer. source: https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine/six-reasons.html

Did you know YOU can protect your kids from HPV? The HPV vaccine can protect your child against HPV-caused cancers! This vaccine has been available and carefully monitored for over 12 years and have shown to provide lasting protection. Ask your child’s healthcare provider about the HPV vaccine and vaccinate your child today!

HPV Vaccine HPV can cause 6 types of cancers. The HPV vaccine can prevent these cancers from developing by preventing the infections that cause those cancers.

Over 120 million doses have been administered of the HPV vaccine. The vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective in providing protection against HPV. Side effects are mild and go away quickly. Protect your child against HPV-caused cancers. Vaccinate them against HPV!

HPV VACCINE safety facts Is it safe? Any side effects? Yes! The HPV Side effects are vaccine is very mild and similar to safe and effective any other vaccine. in protecting These last for a against the short time. Effects Human may include fever and redness, pain, Papilloma Virus. or swelling at the injection site.

Why vaccinate my child? Early vaccination works best! By vaccinating your child before exposure to the virus an infection that may cause cancer can be prevented. If your child is between the ages of 9-17, talk to your child’s healthcare provider about the HPV vaccine.

Early protection works best! HPV can cause 6 types of cancer. Only cervical cancer can be detected early. The other five cancers may not be detected until they cause health problems. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine/six-reasons.html

A well prepared child is one that has his school gear ready and is up-to-date with his vaccinations. Make sure your child has all his recommended vaccines including the HPV vaccine. If between the ages of 11-17. Protect your child against HPV-caused cancers. Vaccinate your child against HPV!

3 things your child needs for the new school year: 1.School supplies 2. School clothes 3. Well-child check-up including HPV vaccination

Two doses are recommended for kids aged 11–12 however, the vaccine can be given starting at age 9. Children who start the HPV vaccine series on or after their 15th birthday need 3 doses. If your child hasn’t started or completed his HPV vaccine series, talk to their healthcare provider about getting their HPV vaccine.

How many doses of the HPV vaccine does my child need? 11-14 years: 2 doses 15-18 years: 3 doses

Any doctor visit is a great opportunity for your child to get their HPV vaccine. If your child is between the ages of 9-17, talk to your child’s healthcare provider about initiating or completing their HPV vaccination series.

Cancer Outreach Program-UTHealth @CancerOutreachUTHealth You can take advantage of any visit to your child’s doctor to get the HPV vaccine for your child, including sports physicals or annual checkups, or when getting other vaccinations such as an annual flu shot.

LET'S review! What is the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV? HPV is a group of more than 150 viruses that infect both men and women. These viruses are very common and can cause certain types of cancer. Who is the HPV vaccine for? The HPV vaccine is for boys and girls aged 9-18 and young adults aged 19-26. It is recommended that the first dose of the vaccine be given between 11 and 12 years of age. Why does my child needs the HPV vaccine? The HPV vaccine will protect your children against cancers caused by this virus, such as cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and oropharynx (mouth and throat).

Is the HPV vaccine safe? Yes! The HPV vaccine is very safe and effective in protecting against the human papillomavirus. With more than 120 million doses distributed in the United States, the HPV vaccine has a history of safety, backed by more than 12 years of monitoring and research. Does the HPV vaccine have side effects? Side effects are mild and similar to any other vaccine. These last for a short time. Effects may include fever and redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site. How many doses of the HPV vaccine does my child need? 11-14 years: 2 doses 15-18 years: 3 doses

Protect your children against cancers caused by HPV. Get them vaccinated!