Did you like the video? Click on the questions below to review what you learned.

What is HPV?

HPV stands for human papillomavirus. 
 
It is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. About 3 out of 4 (or 75% of) unvaccinated sexually active people will get HPV at some point in their lives. 

Does HPV make people sick?

Most of the time, HPV (human papillomavirus) doesn’t cause any problems and goes away on its own, but sometimes it doesn’t go away and can cause cancer over time. It can also cause genital warts. 

Why do preteens need the HPV vaccine?

Preteens need the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine to protect them from HPV infections that can cause cancer later in life. HPV can cause cervical cancer, other types of genital cancer, and cancer of the mouth and throat. The vaccine also protects against most genital warts. 

HPV can cause health problems. See if you can identify what these are with this activity. 

Why is the HPV vaccine given at our age?

You might be thinking, wait a minute, why is the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine given at our age? Here’s why:

• The vaccine works best when it's given before people are sexually active and exposed to HPV.
• Preteens have a better immune response to the vaccine than older teens and adults (they make more antibodies after getting the vaccine). This provides long-lasting protection against HPV.

 Also, the vaccine is not free forever, so getting it when it’s offered ensures preteens get the vaccine for free.

Is the HPV vaccine safe?

Yes. Vaccines are very safe. Doctors and scientists study vaccines very well to make sure they are safe. Hundreds of millions of doses of the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine have been safely given worldwide. 

Click your learning with this activity.

Let’s watch this video where preteens and teens who live in BC talk about the HPV vaccine.

PLEASE NOTE: This video shows a few children talking about family/friends who had cancer. You may skip this video if necessary.