Each year, about 13,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the United States. This doesn’t have to happen. Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable with HPV vaccination and screening according to Judi Van Hulzen, Marion County Public Health RN.

The American Cancer Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that kids get the HPV vaccine starting at age 9 through 12 years. Vaccination is also recommended for all people aged 13 through 26 years who have not been vaccinated previously or who have not completed the vaccination series. 

Vaccinating children at 9-12 years of age can protect kids before they are exposed to the virus. The fact is that pre-teens produce more antibodies from two doses of the vaccine. Older teens or adults need three doses to get the protection needed.