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Reducing Risk for Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers

What to know

  • The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause vaginal and vulvar cancers.

HPV vaccine

a doctor giving an HPV vaccine to a girl
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause vaginal and vulvar cancers.

Cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common sexually transmitted infection. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.

  • HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens age 11 to 12, but can be given starting at age 9.
  • HPV vaccination also is recommended for everyone through age 26, if they are not vaccinated already.
  • Some adults age 27 to 45 who are not already vaccinated may get the HPV vaccine. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit, as more people have already been exposed to HPV.

HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections, but does not treat existing infections or diseases. This is why the HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV. If you’re 26 or younger, get an HPV vaccine if you haven’t been vaccinated already.

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Content Source:
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; Division of Cancer Prevention and Control