Welcome to our very first Mythbusting Monday! Each week, I will talk about a different myth of the HPV vaccine. These myths are submitted by first-year medical students, who heard them when they were teens. These may be things that you have heard too! Leave a message in the comments if you’ve ever heard:

“I was told that only girls needed to get the vaccine because only girls could get cancer.” – Female, 21

“The HPV vaccine is only for women.” – Female, 22

“Only girls can get HPV.” – Male, 22

Unfortunately, girls aren’t the only ones at risk for cancer caused by HPV. In boys, the virus can cause cancer of the penis, anus, mouth, and throat. Also, boys and girls who have the virus can pass it to their girlfriends and boyfriends. Keep your S.O. safe by getting the vaccine!

To find out where you can get the HPV vaccine, click here.

Remember, if you are 18 years or old, you do NOT need a parent’s permission to get the vaccine.

For more information about HPV, click here.