Some parents worry that giving their teenager the HPV vaccine might make them more likely to start having sexual relationships earlier or have more partners. This is a normal concern, butthere is no evidence that this happens.
HPV can spread easily through close sexual contact. This includes skin-to-skin touching of the genital areas, as well as sex.
That’s why the vaccine is given to12- and 13-year-olds – beforethey become sexually active.
Getting the vaccine helps to keep young people safefor when they are older and are ready to have sexual relationships.
