👋 Hello Health Champions,
Rebecca remembers the exact moment her view on the HPV vaccine completely changed.
At her 15‑year‑old daughter Emma’s annual checkup, Dr. Patricia Rodriguez asked:
“If there was a vaccine that could prevent Emma from ever developing cervical cancer, would you want her to have it?”
Rebecca paused. She’d heard about the HPV vaccine but hadn’t thought much about it.
“Of course,” she said. “What parent wouldn’t?”
Dr. Rodriguez smiled.
“That’s exactly what the HPV vaccine does. When girls get it before they’re exposed to the virus, we see up to a 90% reduction in cervical cancer risk. It’s one of the few vaccines we have that actually prevents cancer.”
That simple reframing changed everything.
“Once she explained it that way, it felt like an obvious choice,” Rebecca told me. They scheduled the first shot that afternoon.
Today Emma is 22 and in graduate school. She’s never had an abnormal Pap smear and recently thanked her mom for making that decision eight years ago.
During Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Emma’s story is a reminder:
HPV vaccination + regular screening are two of the most powerful tools we have to prevent cancer, not just treat it.
💌 Know a parent or college student who needs to hear this?
If Emma’s story made you think of someone, forward this email to them now.
One share could help them prevent a future cancer diagnosis.
💊 HPV: The Vaccine That Prevents Cancer
Here’s what you need to know:
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) causes over 90% of cervical cancers.
About 80% of sexually active people will get HPV at some point.
HPV types 16 and 18 cause ~70% of cervical cancers.
In the U.S., about 4,000 women die from cervical cancer each year. (ACS key statistics)
HPV doesn’t just affect the cervix:
It can also cause oral, throat, anal, penile, and vulvar cancers in all genders. The CDC estimates about 39,000 HPV‑associated cancers occur each year in the U.S. (CDC HPV‑associated cancers)
Gardasil 9: What It Covers
💉 Gardasil 9 protects against 9 HPV types that cause:
About 90% of cervical cancers
Many other HPV‑related cancers and genital warts
Real‑world data shows:
~90% reduction in infections with vaccine‑type HPV strains
Big drops in cervical pre‑cancer in vaccinated women
Countries like Australia, with very high vaccination rates, are on track to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.
📅 When to Get the HPV Vaccine
According to CDC HPV vaccination recommendations:
Ages 9–14 (Best Time)
✅ Two doses (0 and 6–12 months)
✅ Strongest immune response
✅ Over 95% protection when given before exposure
✅ Usually covered with $0 copay as preventive care
Ages 15–26 (Catch‑Up)
✅ Three doses (0, 2, and 6 months)
✅ Still highly beneficial—even if some HPV exposure has happened
✅ Typically covered by insurance as preventive care through age 26
Ages 27–45 (Individual Decision)
⚖️ Talk with your provider:
May be helpful if you have new partners, are immunocompromised, or have other risk factors
Insurance coverage varies in this age group
👉 Key point: The earlier you vaccinate, the more protection you get.
✅ Check Your HPV Protection: Green vs Red Flags
🟢 GREEN FLAGS (You’re on track)
✅ Vaccinated before age 15
✅ Completed all 2 or 3 doses
✅ Getting regular cervical cancer screening
✅ Comfortable talking with your provider about HPV and screening
🔴 RED FLAGS (Gaps to fix)
⚠️ Started the HPV series but never finished it
⚠️ Not getting regular cervical screening (even if you’re vaccinated)
⚠️ Unsure of your last Pap or HPV test result
⚠️ Avoiding the conversation with your teen or provider because it feels awkward
If you see red flags, you’re not alone—and you’re not too late. Your pharmacist or clinician can help you catch up.
💡 This Week’s Wellness Win (2‑Minute Task)
Check your HPV vaccination status right now.
Open your patient portal, immunization record, or your child’s shot record.
Look for HPV or Gardasil:
Not started? Add “Schedule HPV vaccine” to your Monday to‑do list.
Started but not finished? Note which dose you’re missing.
Call your pharmacy, pediatrician, or OB/GYN to schedule the next dose.
📖 Do I Still Need Pap Tests If I’m Vaccinated?
Yes.
The HPV vaccine protects against most—but not all—cancer‑causing HPV types. Screening is still essential.
Current guidelines (ACS / ACOG / USPSTF):
General pattern:
Ages 21–29:
Pap test every 3 years
Ages 30–65: Choose one:
Pap test every 3 years, OR
HPV test alone every 5 years, OR
Co‑testing (Pap + HPV) every 5 years
65+:
You may be able to stop screening if you’ve had enough negative tests and no high‑risk history.
Your clinician can tell you which option fits your situation.
❓ Reader Corner: “Is it too late for my college‑age daughter?”
Short answer: No—there is still a lot of benefit.
For ages 18–26:
✅ The vaccine still protects against HPV types they haven’t been exposed to yet.
✅ Most are still covered by insurance as preventive care.
✅ College health centers and pharmacies make it convenient to start now.
Even partial protection is better than zero protection against cancer.
If this issue helped you see HPV vaccination differently, please forward it to one parent or young adult you care about.
One share can be the nudge that gets someone protected.
📎 Or share the web version: https://askmedrlee-newsletter.beehiiv.com/
💬 Let’s Connect
Hit reply and tell me:
Have you or your family members been vaccinated against HPV?
What helped you decide—for or against?
Your story might help another parent or young adult make this important health choice.
Stay protected and informed,
Dr. Lee
📝 About Patient Stories
Patient stories in this newsletter are de‑identified. Details such as names, ages, locations, and other facts may be changed or combined to protect privacy. These examples are for education only and do not reveal any person’s private health information.
🔒 Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk with your own healthcare providers about your specific situation.
📚 Sources & Further Reading
