Vaccines (Shots)

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for females aged 9 to 26 and males aged 9 to 21. It protects against the HPV types that most often cause cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and anal cancers. The HPV vaccine does not substitute for routine cervical cancer screening (Pap tests), according to recommended screening guidelines. Currently, screening tests for other types of HPV-associated cancers are not recommended.

For information on who should get the HPV vaccination, see HPV Vaccines.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It ranges in severity from a mild illness, lasting a few weeks (acute), to a serious long-term (chronic) illness that can lead to liver disease or liver cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine is available for all age groups to prevent HBV infection.