Does my daughter need the HPV vaccine?
Tips for parents on HPV vaccines, from UNICEF experts
The HPV vaccine is now available in most countries in East Asia and the Pacific!
It’s fantastic news for girls and their families 💙
Why?
Because Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes cancers — especially cervical cancer, one of the deadliest cancers for women.
In 2020 alone, cervical cancer killed nearly 75,000 women in the Western Pacific.
But, if girls are vaccinated against HPV before they are exposed to the virus, it can stop them from ever getting this cancer — and save their life.
The HPV vaccine has been around for nearly 20 years, but it only recently became available across most of East Asia and the Pacific.
By 2023, almost every country in the region had started offering it.
It’s a huge step in the fight against cervical cancer — and one worth celebrating!
But if you’re a parent with questions, you’re not alone. We’ve got answers from UNICEF experts below 💉👇
“What is HPV?”
HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus. It’s a very common virus that spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact, including during sexual activity. It can also be passed from mother to baby during childbirth or through close physical contact.
Most people will get HPV at some point in their lives — often without knowing it, because it usually doesn’t cause any symptoms.
There are over 100 types of HPV. Most go away on their own, but some can cause genital warts or lead to cancers — most commonly cervical cancer (but also cancers of the mouth, throat and genitals).
More than 95% of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV. And tragically, every two minutes, somewhere in the world, a woman loses her life to cervical cancer.
“What is the HPV vaccine?”
The HPV vaccine helps protect children from developing cancers related to the human papillomavirus later in life — including cervical cancer, as well as cancers of the throat, anus, and genitals.
The HPV vaccine can prevent up to 90% of cervical cancer cases. It protects against 9 types of HPV — including the ones most likely to cause cancer and the two types that cause genital warts.
The vaccine works best when children are still young and haven’t been exposed to the virus yet.
Alarmingly, South-East Asia has some of the highest cervical cancer rates in the world. But we have the tools to change that. Vaccinating your child early is a safe and powerful way to protect them from these cancers.
"I took my daughters, nieces and friend’s daughter to be vaccinated. I’m protecting them from what I went through."
“What age should girls have the HPV vaccine?”
Research says that getting the HPV vaccine between 9 and 14 years old is best. This is because it helps children’s bodies build up protection against the virus before they even come into contact with it.
Different countries may have different vaccination schedules, but the World Health Organization recommends that girls between 9 and 14 get the vaccine first — ideally before they become sexually active, when the risk of getting HPV increases.
Vaccinating early, before exposure to the virus, gives the strongest protection. But if your daughter is older than 14, the vaccine would still benefit her. However, it’s unlikely she would be able to get the HPV vaccine through a government programme and would have to get it privately.
“How is the HPV vaccine given?”
The HPV vaccine is given as an injection into the upper arm or thigh. Some countries give this vaccine in two doses and other countries give it in one dose.
“Should my daughter get the HPV vaccine?”
Everyone who is offered the HPV vaccination should have it!
In most countries, the vaccine is recommended for girls aged 9 to 14 and, in some countries, it's also available for boys. You can get the national immunization schedule of your country from your doctor or the Ministry of Health’s website.
“Why does my daughter need to be vaccinated so young?”
The earlier your daughter is vaccinated, the better her body can build strong protection. It’s safest to get the vaccine before there’s any risk of coming into contact with HPV — that’s why we recommend it at a young age.
“How can my daughter get the HPV vaccine?”
If you’d like to get your daughter vaccinated, speak to a local health worker.
Where she gets vaccinated depends on where you live. It’s most likely she’ll get the vaccine from a nurse at a government health facility, but sometimes she can get it at school.
You, or another parent of caregiver, will need to give permission for her to be vaccinated by filling out a simple form.
“I’m not sure if my daughter already got the HPV vaccine — what should I do?”
If you’re not sure whether your daughter has had the HPV vaccine, don’t worry — it’s safe for her to receive another dose. That way, you can feel confident she’s protected.
You’ll also get a vaccination card to help you keep track next time.
“Do boys need to get the HPV vaccine too?”
The HPV vaccine isn’t just for girls — boys benefit too. It protects them from cancers in the throat, genitals, and anus, and stops the spread of HPV to their future partners.
Some countries now offer the vaccine to both boys and girls, though the main priority is still girls, since they’re at highest risk of cervical cancer.
“How much does the HPV vaccine cost?”
If your child is vaccinated through a government programme, the HPV vaccine is free.
“Is the HPV vaccine safe? Will it affect my daughter’s ability to get pregnant?”
The HPV vaccine is completely safe and does not affect fertility. It’s been given to millions of children worldwide with no impact on their ability to have children later in life.
In fact, by preventing cervical cancer and the need for serious treatments later in life, the HPV vaccine can actually help protect your daughter’s ability to have children.
“Does the HPV vaccine lead to earlier sexual activity?”
No. Studies have shown that getting the HPV vaccine does not lead to earlier or riskier sexual behaviour. It’s just a way to protect their health early, before they’re ever exposed to the virus.
“Does the HPV vaccine have any side effects?”
Like most vaccines, the HPV shot can cause mild side effects such as pain or redness at the injection site, or a slight fever. These usually go away within a few days. Serious side effects are rare, and trained healthcare staff are always prepared to help.
“Who shouldn't get the HPV vaccine?”
There are only a few exceptions. People who’ve had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose or to an ingredient in the vaccine — like yeast — shouldn’t get it.
It’s also not recommended for pregnant women as a precaution, even though no harm has been shown. If you're unsure, your healthcare provider can guide you.
“My daughter is nervous about getting vaccinated. How can I reassure her?”
It’s completely normal to feel nervous before a vaccination — many young people do. You can reassure your daughter that the discomfort is quick and temporary, but the protection it gives against serious illnesses like cervical cancer lasts a lifetime.
Let her know that the nurses giving the vaccine are experienced and kind — they vaccinate thousands of young people every year and are there to help her feel safe and calm.
You can also prepare her by:
- Explaining why the vaccine is important and how it protects her in the future.
- Encouraging her to relax her arm and look away during the injection.
- Letting her know she might feel a bit sore or tired afterward, which is normal and goes away quickly.
A little nervousness is okay — but with your support, she’ll feel more confident and proud to take this step for her health.
"At first, I was a little scared because I didn’t know what to expect. But after the vaccine, I realized it wasn’t so bad. I’m glad I got it."
Azila Kinara Putri, 5th grade student, Indonesia
“Is the vaccine safe for people with other health conditions?”
Yes, the HPV vaccine is safe for people with other medical conditions. In fact, it’s especially important for girls with weaker immune systems, because they’re more at risk of serious illness from HPV.
“My daughter is not having sex, why should she be vaccinated against a sexually transmitted infection?”
HPV is a virus that spreads easily and often without symptoms. Vaccinating early — even before any sexual activity — gives the body time to build strong protection. That’s why doctors recommend it during the pre-teen years.
“Can my daughter get the HPV vaccine if she’s older than 14?”
Yes! The earlier the vaccine is given, the better the protection — but it’s never too late to take steps to protect against HPV.
If your daughter missed getting vaccinated, it’s still safe and effective for her to get it when she’s older. However, you may have to go through a private health facility and pay for it.
It’s best to talk to a healthcare provider — they can help decide if it will be beneficial based on individual risk and health history.
“What else can I do to protect my daughter against cervical cancer?”
In addition to getting the HPV vaccine, regular cervical cancer screening is an important step later in life. Screening helps detect early signs of cervical changes before they become cancer.
Unfortunately, less than 5% of women in many low-income countries are ever screened — which is why raising awareness and improving access to screening is so important.
When your daughter is older, encourage her to attend regular screening appointments as recommended by health professionals. Together, vaccination and screening offer the best protection against cervical cancer.
