Don’t skip this key vaccine
This often-overlooked vaccine can help stop certain cancers. Learn when to get it, along with other life-saving shots.
Kids need vaccines throughout their childhood. They help protect them from diseases that can cause serious illness, long-term health problems or even death. But there’s one shot you may be overlooking: the HPV vaccine.
HPV stands for human papillomavirus (HPV). It’s a common virus that spreads through sexual contact. Nearly everyone will get HPV at some point in their life. HPV usually has no symptoms. But it shouldn’t be ignored.
Certain strains of HPV can lead to cancer later in life. In fact, HPV is the most common cause of cervical cancer. That’s why the HPV vaccine is so important. It helps protect your child against the HPV strains that are most likely to cause cancer.
It’s best for kids to get the HPV vaccine before they are sexually active. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of HPV vaccine for all kids at 11 to 12 years old. But they can get it as early as 9 years old. Talk to your child’s doctor or go to cdc.gov/hpv to learn more about HPV and the vaccine.
Get the most out of your benefits
Your complete guide to childhood vaccines
The CDC recommends a schedule for vaccines from birth to teen years (see table). Your child’s doctor can give them shots during well-child visits. It’s a good idea to keep a copy of your child’s vaccines records for future use.
Your plan covers routine vaccines at no extra cost to you. You may even be able to earn rewards for getting vaccines on time. Check your member handbook or call Member Services for more info.
| Vaccine name | Protects against | When to get it |
|---|---|---|
| DTap/Tdap | Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) | 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, 4-6 years, 11-12 years |
| HepB | Hepatitis B, a type of liver infection | Birth, 1-2 months, 6-18 months |
| HepA | Hepatitis A, a type of liver infection | 12-13 months |
| Hib | Haemophilus Influenza type B, which can cause meningitis or pneumonia | 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12-15 months |
| HPV | Human Papillomavirus, which can cause cervical and other cancers | 11-12 years |
| Flu | Yearly flu viruses | Once a year after 6 months |
| IPV | Polio, which can cause paralysis | 2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months, 4-6 years |
| MenACWY | Meningococcal disease, which can cause meningitis or blood infections | 11-12 years, 15-16 years |
| MMR | Measles, mumps and rubella viruses | 12-15 months, 4-6 years |
| RV | Rotovirus, which can cause fever, vomiting and diarrhea | 2 months, 4 months, 6 months |
| Varicella | Chickenpox | 12-15 months, 4-6 years |
Protect your child before birth
Getting certain vaccines while you are pregnant can protect you and your child. When you get a vaccine, your body makes antibodies that help fight off infection. When you’re pregnant, you pass some of those antibodies on to your baby. That means they’ll be protected from day one.
If you’re pregnant, ask your doctor about these vaccine recommendations from the experts:
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis): Get this shot between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.
- Flu: Get this shot during flu season.
- RSV (respiratory syncytial virus): Get an RSV shot between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. RSV shots are also safe for babies under 8 months if you didn’t get the vaccine while pregnant.
- COVID-19: Ask your doctor about getting the COVID-19 shot while you’re pregnant.
See our sources
HPV vaccine: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Childhood immunization schedule: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Vaccines during pregnancy: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
