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Get The Facts

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What Is HPV?

Human papillomavirus, or HPV affects both men and women, and can cause six different kinds of cancer. Nearly all adults will contract some strain of HPV during their lifetime, so it’s important for children to be vaccinated as soon as possible. If you take care of this now, you and your kids won’t have to worry about this risk in the future.

Safe and effective, the HPV vaccine has been around for 15 years to great results, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend children get it when they are 11-12 years old. Sure, it sounds early, but how early is too early when it comes to protecting your child?

Did You Know?

More than 9/10

cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV, but you can take action now for your child

More than 4/10

cases of cancer caused by HPV occur among men; both boys and girls need this vaccine

Over 270 million

doses of the HPV vaccine have been given worldwide, including 120 million doses in the US, with no serious adverse effects

Side effects are mild and last only a little while, most often with just slight pain or redness in the arm

Research shows there is no evidence that this vaccine will make a child more sexually active (most children are only aware that they’re getting a series of important shots for their overall health).

Learn more facts about HPV

More information for parents of middle school students

More information for parents of high school students

More information for teens

The HPV vaccine will be offered at middle and high schools in select Texas public schools at adolescent vaccination clinics this school year, along with other recommended vaccines for your child’s age group. The HPV vaccine is also available at your local clinic, and should be covered free of charge through most health insurance plans, including CHIP and Medicaid. Some clinics may charge an administrative fee, depending on your plan.

Vaccine Information Statements

Please click and read the Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) below for each vaccine that you would like your child to receive before the clinic day. All recommended vaccines for children and adolescents will be available. The most common vaccines provided for adolescents will include:

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Meningococcal (MCV4) Influenza (Flu)

You can also request a copy of each VIS from your child's school. For additional VIS, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know this vaccine is safe for my child?

There’s extensive evidence that the HPV vaccine is safe for children. From the CDC to the National Institutes of Health, national and global medical experts recommend it for all children beginning at age 9, and routinely administered at 11-12.

Will getting this vaccine make my pre-teen or teen more likely to have sex?

A new study from Harvard School of Public Health shows that promoting the HPV vaccine does not encourage sexual behavior in teens.

How much does it cost for my child to receive vaccines at an All for Them clinic?

Services are completely free if your child qualifies, and you will not get a bill before or after your child gets their shots. To find out if your child qualifies, give us a call at 713-500-2555 .

Do I need to share my citizenship or immigration status?

No. We will not ask you or your child about citizenship or immigration status.

What if I don’t have an immunization record for my child?

The reason we need them is because we do not want to give your child anything that they may have already received, and it’s important for healthcare providers to know about your child’s medical history. If you don’t have those documents, contact us and we will help you figure out a solution.

I’m pretty busy. Can I get vaccines for all of my children at the same time?

Yes, depending on the location. Check out our schedule here for more info.

Will the vaccine be painful?

This shot is only a little uncomfortable and can lead to some slight redness that goes away soon.

Will this vaccine have any side effects now or later in life?

15 years of evidence shows no harmful short-term or long-term side effects for this vaccine. In fact, the positive “side effect” is the many years of cancer protection the HPV vaccine will provide for your child.

Where can I get these vaccines for my child?

You can get these shots for free through our mobile clinics visiting your child’s school. See our schedule to find out when we’ll be there.

Why would I get the HPV vaccine for my child now? They’re still young!

Sooner is better than later. The CDC recommends this shot for children who are 11 or 12. Your child’s immune response to the vaccine is stronger at younger ages. Your child is less likely to have been exposed to HPV at a younger age, and it’s important to vaccinate them well before they come in contact with the virus. Adolescents who start the HPV vaccine series before they turn 15 only need two shots. If they wait and start at 15 or older, they will need three shots for full protection.

ALL FOR THEM

It’s all for them. Get all the vaccines.

UTHealth - All for Them Project Team
Phone: 866-255-1811 or 713-500-2555 (ALL5)
Email: allforthem@uth.tmc.edu

AllForThemVaccines   AllVaccines   
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