“I remember hearing that it could damage your reproductive system.” – Female, 23

“The HPV vaccine has more side effects and is more dangerous than other vaccines.” – Female, 22

“I’m not sexually active, so I don’t fine the HPV vaccine necessary at the moment.” – Female, 22

“Why would you need this if you’re planning only to have sex after marriage?” – Female, 24

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