HPV Vaccine: What Grand Rapids Families Should Know

HPV Vaccine in Grand Rapids, Michigan

For families across Grand Rapids and Kent County, the HPV vaccine is one of the simplest ways to protect children from several types of cancer later in life. Whether your child sees a pediatrician at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health-West, or a community clinic like Cherry Health, the conversation about this vaccine often comes up around ages 11 and 12. This guide explains, in plain language, what HPV is and how the vaccine works.

What Is HPV?

HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. There are many types of HPV. Some types can cause cancer, while others cause genital warts.

HPV spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, most often during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. A person can pass it to others even when they have no signs or symptoms.

Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and clear on their own. But infections that persist can lead to cancers and other health problems over time.

Health Problems HPV Can Cause

When an HPV infection does not go away, it can lead to serious conditions. HPV can cause:

• Cervical cancer
• Cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, and anus
• Cancer of the back of the throat, known as oropharyngeal cancer
• Genital warts, caused by certain low-risk types

Genital warts typically appear as one or more small bumps in the genital area. They may be raised, flat, or cauliflower-shaped. Importantly, the HPV types that cause warts are different from the types that cause cancer.

Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine

The CDC recommends routine HPV vaccination for preteens at age 11 or 12, though the series can be started as early as age 9. Starting at a younger age is intentional and protective.

The vaccine works best when given before any exposure to the virus, which is why it is recommended at young ages. It does not treat existing HPV infections.

Catch-up vaccination is also part of the recommendations:

• Catch-up HPV vaccination is recommended for everyone through age 26 who was not adequately vaccinated when younger.
• HPV vaccination is not routinely recommended for everyone older than 26.
• Some adults ages 27 through 45 may choose to be vaccinated after a shared decision-making discussion with their clinician.

If you or your teen missed the vaccine, a Grand Rapids primary care provider can help you figure out whether catch-up doses make sense.

How Many Doses Are Needed

The number of doses depends on the age when the series begins and on a person’s immune health:

• People who start the HPV vaccine series before age 15 need only 2 doses, given 6 to 12 months apart.
• People who start the series at age 15 or older, and people with weakened immune systems, need 3 doses over about 6 months.

Because the timing matters, it helps to keep track of when each dose is due. Your child’s clinic can remind you and schedule the next appointment.

Vaccination Does Not Replace Screening

Even after vaccination, regular screening is still important. Cervical cancer screening, such as Pap tests and/or HPV tests, is still recommended for eligible people even if they have been vaccinated. This is because the vaccine does not protect against all cancer-causing HPV types.

In other words, the vaccine and screening work together. Talk with your provider about the right screening schedule for you.

Getting the HPV Vaccine in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids and Kent County families have several places to start the conversation about HPV vaccination:

• Your child’s pediatrician or your family’s primary care provider
• Hospital-affiliated clinics such as Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and University of Michigan Health-West
• Community health centers such as Cherry Health
• The Kent County Health Department for public health and immunization information

Winters in West Michigan keep many families close to home, which can make a routine wellness visit a convenient time to ask about the HPV vaccine and any catch-up doses your child may need. Bring your child’s immunization record to the appointment so your provider can see which vaccines are already complete.

Key Points to Remember

• HPV is very common and often causes no symptoms, but persistent infection can lead to several cancers.
• Vaccination is recommended starting at age 11 or 12 and can begin as early as age 9.
• Starting before age 15 means 2 doses; starting at 15 or older, or having a weakened immune system, means 3 doses.
• Catch-up vaccination is available through age 26, and some adults 27 through 45 may choose it after talking with their clinician.
• The vaccine works best before exposure and does not treat existing infections.
• Keep up with recommended cervical cancer screening even after vaccination.