HPV, or human papillomavirus, causes many cancers, and HPV vaccine can prevent these infections and the later development of cancer. How well does the vaccine work? What about side effects? What is the best age for children to receive this vaccine? Should boys get the vaccine as well as girls? And what about sex–is there a link between the vaccine and children having sex? We discuss these issues and more, demystifying some of the rumors and other popular media chatter about HPV vaccine so that parents will be armed with the facts.
This episode written by Dr. Dean Blumberg and Dr. Lena Rothstein.
Supplemental material:

* Healthy Children Are Your Kids Protected from Cancer Caused by HPV?

* Healthy Children How to Talk to Your Preteen About the HPV Vaccine

* Healthy Children Vaccinating Your Preteen: Addressing Common Concerns

* CDC HPV Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness

* American Academy of Pediatrics policy HPV Vaccine Recommendations

Photo from CBS News