Most parents have questions about vaccinating their preteens. Here are common concerns and their answers provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This will help you ease your concerns and help you make the right decision.

FAQs about HPV vaccines

Why is HPV vaccine recommended at age 11 or 12 ?

Studies have indicated that children who completed all three doses of the vaccine by age 14 have a reduced risk of cervical pre- cancer and genital warts than those who are vaccinated later. Preteens make more antibodies.

Why does my son need  HPV vaccine if it protects against cervical cancer ?

The HPV vaccine can protect both males and females by preventing genital warts and cancers of the genitals,  anus, mouth and throat.  It  also protects against cervical cancer which only females get. A preteen boy who receives this vaccine can also protect his future spouse. Men and women who have HPV may not show any symptoms.  Even though women can get cervical cancer screening, there is no such test for men. As a result men who are infected do not know they have it and spread the virus to their partners.

My child is not sexually active. Does he/she need the HPV vaccine ?

Yes, your child needs the vaccine. If you wait till the child is sexually active, the vaccine wont work as well. Vaccines only work before someone is  exposed to a  disease. The HPV vaccine seem to work a lifetime so it cannot be too early , only too late.

At least half of people will test positive for HPV within the first 2 years of their first sexual experience. Many  also acquire the virus while still a virgin from kissing and touching.

You need all 3 doses of the vaccine  before ever coming into contact with the  virus in order to be protected.

It is important for preteens to get the vaccine before their first sexual encounter. This is because  studies show that 50 to 80% of people test positive  for HPV within 2 to 3 years of their first sexual encounter.

Do condoms prevent the spread of HPV ?

Condoms prevent pregnancy and some sexually transmitted disease. Using it may reduce your risk of having HPV but it does  not eliminate it. This virus can also be spread through intimate skin to skin contact and oral sex. Condom only covers a limited amount of skin and as a result the virus can spread  even if a person uses condon everytime he has sex. The best protection is for parents to have their children vaccinated against the virus.

Common concerns about all preteen vaccines

Do teen vaccines have any serious side effects ?

Fainting :  It is common for your pediatrician to ask your child to sit for about 15 minutes after receiving a vaccine just in case the child faints. This is to reduce of risk of falling .

Pain : Even though getting a shot may be painful, that pain is nothing compared to getting a disease such as cancer or meningitis.  You  can discuss with your pediatrician about ways of reducing pain. Stroking the skin or  applying pressure to the skin before the shot helps. Some offices may have medications to numb the pain.

Vaccination at doctor’s visits : Due to busy schedules, it is a good idea to get any vaccines that are due during  your child’s visit to the pediatrician office.

Safety : All vaccines that are  routinely  recommended have been licensed by the food and drug administration  FDA and found to be safe.  Your pediatrician can give you more information about the vaccine.

Why  is more than one dose needed ?

HPV vaccine :  It is recommend that your child receives 3 doses of HPV  at ages 11 and 12 to get the full protection. All three doses are needed for the body to build immunity to protect against infection.

Meningococcal vaccine : One doses of the vaccine protects a person, however immunity may wane over time.  A booster dose may be needed for the child to get full protection. Children need this vaccine as preteens to be fully protected  for a few years and another booster dose at 16 years old  to boost immunity levels.

Tdap : Research has indicated that the recent outbreak of whooping cough  may be due in part to waning immunity.A booster dose of this vaccine may be  recommended  in future . Studies are still are underwear to determine exactly when and if they will be needed.

Will insurance cover these vaccines ?

• The affordable care act requires  insurance companies to cover the cost of all vaccines which include those for teens and preteens . If your insurance plan has not been changed since March 23, 2010, it may not follow these new rules. In this case, your insurance company may require you to pay a deductible before it pays for the vaccine. Talk to your health care provider about your paying options.
• if your child does not have insurance, has medicaid or insurance  that does not cover vaccines, is an  American Indian or Alaskan Native, she qualifies to receive vaccines at no cost through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. Most pediatricians have this program.
• to contact your VFC  state, city or territory, click here