Get The Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is HPV?

  HPV stands for human papillomavirus. There are about 200 different types of HPV. Both males and females can get HPV, and 8 out of 10 adults will be infected at some point in their lifetime. However, most of the time, the virus will go away on its own. A person may not know they have HPV, because the virus does not usually cause visible symptoms, but several HPV types can cause cancers and genital warts.

• How does someone get HPV?

  HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, including during oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Since the HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that can cause cancer, it is important to vaccinate children and adolescents well before they become sexually active. The HPV vaccine can be given beginning at 9 years old, but ideally by 11-12 years old.

• What are the risks of HPV?

  HPV can cause six types of cancers, including cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and the back of the mouth and throat (also called the oropharynx). If HPV-related cancers progress, their treatments are similar to other forms of cancer, and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these interventions.

  Some strains of HPV can cause genital warts and warts in the throat. Warts are removed using medicated cream, an electric current, freezing processes, or surgery.

  HPV causes about 36,000 cancer cases and 400,000 cases of genital warts in U.S. men and women every year.

• What vaccines are offered during All for Them clinics?

  All childhood and adolescent vaccines are offered during All for Them clinics, including:

  • Tdap
  • HPV
  • Meningococcal
  • Influenza

  and any other vaccines your child may need. (Clinics offered in Fort Worth ISD in fall 2023 will offer Tdap, HPV, and Meningococcal only.)

  At this time, All for Them is unable to provide the COVID-19 vaccine at our clinics. If you are interested in getting the COVID-19 vaccine for your child, email us. We can help you find where to get it.

• How do I know the HPV vaccine is safe?

  There’s extensive evidence that the HPV vaccine is safe. This vaccine has been in use for 17 years. 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 ages 11-12.

• Will getting this vaccine make pre-teens or teens more likely to have sex?

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

  In fact, it’s best to get the HPV vaccine as soon as possible — well before adolescents become sexually active and are exposed to HPV. Adolescents who start the HPV vaccine series before they turn 15 only need two shots. Those who start the HPV vaccine series at 15 or older will need three shots for full protection.

• Why is it important to get the HPV vaccine now?

  Sooner is better than later. The body’s immune response to the HPV vaccine is stronger at younger ages. A person 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. Young people 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.

• Will the HPV vaccine be painful?

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

• Will the HPV vaccine have any side effects now or later in life?

  Nearly 20 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.

• Where can I get these vaccines?

  You can get these shots for free through our mobile clinics visiting schools in several districts in Texas. See our schedule to find out when we’ll be at your school.

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

  Services are free for most students who qualify, and they will not get a bill before or after they get their shots. In some cases, providers may charge a small administration fee per vaccine to cover their costs. If you are unable to pay, please call us — we will work with you to find a solution! To find out more, give us a call at 866-255-1811.

• Who qualifies for free vaccines at an All for Them clinic?

  Aldine ISD, Goose Creek CISD, and Houston ISD students at participating schools qualify for free vaccines through All for Them if they:

  • have Medicaid
  • do not have insurance
  • have insurance that doesn’t cover vaccines (underinsured)
  • are Native American or Alaska Native

  Fort Worth ISD students at participating schools qualify for free vaccines through All for Them if they have Medicaid or CHIP. For students who do not have insurance, our provider partner charges $8 per vaccine to cover their costs. However, if you are unable to pay, please call us at 866-255-1811 — we will work with you to find a solution!

• What can I do if a student isn’t eligible for All for Them’s vaccination clinic?

  If a student isn’t eligible for All for Them’s vaccination clinic, you still have options. Call our bilingual team at 866-255-1811, and we can help you find another clinic in your area. Make sure to press the option for your school district in the menu.

• Does a parent need to attend the clinic?

  Parents who complete the consent forms and register their children before the deadline do not need to attend the clinic. However, they are welcome to be present if they prefer.

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

  Possibly, depending on the date and location. Check out our schedule here for more info or call us at 866-255-1811.

• 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 only want to provide the vaccines that are needed, and it’s important for health care 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.