HPV
HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active people get it at some point in their lives.
In most cases, HPV goes away on its own and does not cause any health problems. But when HPV doesn't go away, it can be serious. The health problems it can cause include genital warts and cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and throat (including the base of the tongue and tonsils).
HPV spreads through genital contact, most often through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. People can also spread HPV without having sexual intercourse. HPV can spread even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms.
What you should do
Get vaccinated, or make sure your children are vaccinated
The HPV vaccine is safe and is the best protection against HPV-associated cancers. It also prevents new HPV infections and other health problems associated with HPV. It does not treat existing HPV infections or diseases.
HPV vaccine is available through healthcare professionals and at school-based clinics through Vaccinate Before You Graduate. Children should start the HPV vaccine series at age 11 or 12. HPV vaccine is given in 3 shots over 6 months. It’s important to get all 3 doses.
ACIP recommends that children age 9-14 get 2 doses of HPV vaccine for series completion, and people age 15-26 get 3 doses for series completion.
Doctors start administering the vaccine to people when they are age 11-12 because peoples' bodies have the strongest immune response to the vaccine at that time. Also, people should be vaccinated against HPV before they start any type of sexual activity.
HPV vaccination benefits people most when they get it before any HPV exposure. This is why the CDC recommends HPV vaccination at age 11-12. HPV vaccination is also recommended through age 26 for everyone who did not get vaccinated when they were younger.
Vaccination is not recommended for people older than 26. In general, HPV vaccination of people in this age range provides minimal benefit because most people have already been exposed to HPV. But some adults age 27-45 who are not adequately vaccinated may be at risk for new HPV infection and may benefit from vaccination.
For people age 27-45, clinicians can consider discussing HPV vaccination with those who are most likely to benefit. For more details, see Human Papillomavirus Vaccination for Adults: Updated Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices | MMWR.
HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections but does not treat existing infections or diseases.
Get screened for cervical cancer
Routine screening for average-risk women aged 21-65 can prevent cervical cancer. Learn more about cervical cancer.
What we are doing
Supplying HPV Vaccine
The Rhode Island Department of Health’s Office of Immunization supplies HPV vaccine to healthcare professionals throughout Rhode Island. Additionally, the Office of Immunization partners with The Wellness Company to make HPV vaccine available at school-based clinics through Vaccinate Before You Graduate.
Including HPV Vaccination in School Immunization Regulations
Rhode Island students are required to start the HPV vaccine series before starting 7th grade. HPV vaccination is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Rhode Island incorporates all CDC routinely recommended vaccines into its school immunization regulations.
If a child cannot be vaccinated against a disease for religious or medical reasons, they can be exempted from immunization against that disease. School nurses can provide religious exemption forms. Doctors can provide medical exemption forms.