According to the CDC, human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US. It can cause cervical, neck and throat, penile or anal cancer. The HPV vaccine is recommended for children starting at 11 or 12 years old — regardless of sexual activity — because the vaccine is most effective when given before the child can be exposed to the virus. Common side effects of the vaccine are pain or redness of the injection site, mild to moderate fever and headaches.
