HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a common virus that can lead to 6 types of cancers. HPV infections are so common that nearly all men and women will get at least one type of HPV at some point in their lives. Nearly 80 million Americans are currently infected with some type of HPV. About 14 million Americans, including teens, become infected each year.
The HPV vaccine is safe, effective and recommended for both boys and girls, usually at ages 11-12 years old. The vaccine is approved for everyone ages 9-26 years old and through shared clinical decision-making with a healthcare provider for ages 27-45 years old.