Recently parents have begun to ask me some pointed questions about the human papilloma virus or HPV vaccine for preventing genital warts and cervical cancer.  So this week, let me take my best shot and provide some information on this vaccine.    The new vaccine protects against getting infected with or spreading HPV, a sexually transmitted virus that causes genital warts and may lead to cervical cancer in women and cancer of the genitals, mouth and throat in men as well.  The virus often times does not cause damage immediately but can do it years later and so people may not even know they have it and can pass it on to others.  In fact it is estimated that 50% of sexually active women in this country will get HPV at some point in their lives if they do not get vaccinated.     The new vaccine against HPV works best when given to someone who has not yet been infected--—that is why, according to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and AAP it is being given ideally as a series of three shots over a six month period to girls as well as guys 11-12 years who hopefully have not yet become sexually active although can be used up to age 21 in guys and age 26 years in women (and is felt to be safe for men at this age as well).  So what are the complications of this vaccine?  Some parents believe we are giving live virus to their child—but that is not true.  The vaccine contains bits and pieces of killed virus and thus cannot result in the complications of live virus—such as genital warts and cervical cancer.  The only side effects of this vaccine that we are aware of is some soreness at the injection site  or feeling a bit faint after getting it and even these are rare.           Once your daughter gets this vaccine, it is important to remember that it only protects against one type of sexually transmitted disease and thus make sure your daughter knows that she will still need to use appropriate protection if and when she does become sexually active.  The vaccine also does not protect against all types of HPV, just the most common strains, so pap smears to monitor for cervical cancer will still be needed as your daughter gets older. If you have further questions—talk to you older child or teen’s doctor who can tell you more about the benefits of your child getting this vaccine.                             Hopefully tips like this will wart off or should I say ward off any misinformation you may have when it comes to making sure your teens  gets this important new vaccine.