Blog: How do I talk about HPV?
Published: October 30, 2025
We know that HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a common group of viruses that can lead to serious health problems — including cancer. The good news is that the HPV vaccine helps prevent the strains of the virus that can cause these conditions. Still, talking to others about HPV and the importance of preventing it can be challenging. Here are some tips to help guide those conversations.
How do I talk to my children about HPV?
When talking to your kids about HPV, it is important to explain that HPV is a common virus most people will come in contact with at some point in their lives. They need the HPV vaccine to help keep them safe and healthy.
- Explain what HPV is: A group of viruses that can affect different parts of the body and cause six types of cancer. HPV is transmitted by close, skin-to-skin contact or from mother to child during childbirth.
- Explain the purpose of the vaccine: To protect against HPV infection and prevent cancer.
- Be prepared to answer questions, particularly about what HPV is, what the HPV vaccine is for, and why they need to get it now. Express how the vaccine provides better protection now when they are younger and long before they might be exposed to the virus.
- Your kids also might have anxiety around getting the vaccine — because they do not like vaccines in general or out of fear that it might hurt — but this is the perfect time to convey that a moment of discomfort is better than getting cancer down the line.
How do I talk to my child’s doctor about HPV?
When your child turns 9 — or in the years after, if you did not get the chance to vaccinate them at that age — their next check-up is the perfect time to discuss the vaccine.
- Express that you would like your child to get vaccinated against HPV.
- Ask any lingering questions you may have about HPV or the vaccine. This is the ideal time to get the answers you need from an expert.
- Discuss what to expect after they get vaccinated. Understand what side effects are normal and when to be concerned.
- If your child is 13-18 years old, but hasn’t started or completed the HPV vaccine series, it’s not too late! Use this as an opportunity to talk to your child’s doctor about how they can catch up on the vaccine for full protection.
How do I talk to other parents about HPV?
You might want to talk to friends or other parents in the community to spread awareness and encourage protection against HPV for more young people.
- Once again, remember to stress that HPV is a common virus that can affect anyone. Explain how HPV vaccination is a part of routine health care for older children and adolescents, meant to keep them safe and healthy both now and for their future. It also helps the community be a safer, healthier place for everyone.
- Be prepared to talk about the dangers of HPV (such as how it causes six types of cancer) and the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. Provide resources and data from medically accurate, trusted sources. You can find great information uth.edu/hpvguide and go.uth.edu/hpvfacts at Sharing any personal stories or examples can be especially powerful.
- Listen to and address any concerns others may have from a place of understanding. Most importantly, remember that the choice is ultimately up to them.
After talking with friends or other parents about HPV vaccination, it’s time to take action! If you or someone you know needs to find a free or low-cost vaccination clinic for your child, the All for Them team can help. Call us at 866-255-1811 or visit AllForThemVaccines.com.
Follow us for more news, information, and updates on Facebook, Instagram, or X. Looking for more information about HPV to help guide your conversations? Check out some of these resources:
American Academy of Pediatrics: What Parents Need to Know about the HPV Vaccine