Vaccinations to Consider

Immunizations can prevent certain types of cancers associated with viral infections. Talk to your doctor about immunization against these two viruses:

Hepatitis B can increase the chance of getting liver cancer. All babies in the United States and certain adults at high risk should be vaccinated.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is sexually transmitted. A vaccine to prevent this virus, which can lead to cervical cancer, became available in 2006. Thus far, vaccines that protect against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 have been studied. In clinical trials, the vaccines prevented pre-cancer cervical cell changes.

Recommendations

• According to the American Cancer Society, routine HPV vaccination is recommended for girls 11 to 12 years old.
• Girls as young as age 9 can receive the HPV vaccine.
• Females between 13 and 18 should also consider HPV vaccination to catch up on missed vaccines or to complete the series.

Girls in these age groups who have not yet started the series of vaccinations – as well as girls who started before age 13 but haven’t completed the series – should be vaccinated.

The HPV vaccine protects against roughly 70 percent of cervical cancers. It does not protect against every cancer-causing HPV type. Even women who have been vaccinated can still get cervical cancer.

Learn more about gynecologic cancer.