HPV virus in children - symptoms, risk of infection and effectiveness of HPV vaccination

Wondering how to effectively protect your child from future health problems, including some cancers? HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in children and adults, and a wart (condyloma aculeatus) in a child may be the first sign of exposure to the virus.

In this article, we answer the most common questions from parents: what symptoms can HPV cause in a child, how many doses of the vaccine should be administered, and at what age is vaccination recommended? Can the HPV vaccine have any serious side effects? What is the approximate cost of an HPV vaccination if administered privately? We also explain whether adults should consider HPV vaccination and why protection is important for both girls and boys.

HPV virus: silent culprit of serious diseases

Human papillomavirus (HPV) belongs to the Papillomaviridae family and has nearly 200 known types. HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection , and exposure to the virus can also affect adolescents. Hence, parents' growing interest in HPV in children and infection prevention.

It is estimated that over 80% of sexually active women and men have had, are having or will have contact with this virus during their lifetime.

The infection is transmitted mainly through sexual contact, but full intercourse is not necessary, skin-to-skin genital contact is sufficient.

HPV virus in children and cancer: what do you need to know?

HPV viruses are divided into high- risk and low- risk types . Currently, there are 14 high-risk types (including 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58) that are causally linked to the development of precancerous lesions and cancer.

Expert advises

Infection with oncogenic HPV types is a key factor in the development of cervical cancer. HPV-16 and HPV-18 are responsible for approximately 70% to 73% of cervical cancer cases. It is important to remember that persistent infection with these types is necessary, although not sufficient, for the development of cervical cancer. The time from initial infection to the development of invasive cervical cancer can range from 5 to 40 years.

Emilia Konka

Resident doctor at the Department of Congenital Defects in Metabolism and Pediatrics, Institute of Mother and Child

HPV infection in children and adults is also associated with an increased risk of other cancers, including:

• anal cancer (about 90% of cases);
• vulvar cancer (5-30% of cases);
• vaginal cancer (64-100% of cases);
• penile cancer in men (about 30% of cases);
• head and neck cancers, including squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx.

Symptoms that the HPV virus may cause in children and adults

In most cases, HPV infection is asymptomatic and heals on its own thanks to the body's natural immune response.

In women under 25, most infections resolve within 12–18 months. During the latent phase of infection, HPV symptoms do not occur.

Papilloma in a child as a possible symptom of HPV infection

However, in the case of infection with low-risk types, such as HPV-6 and HPV-11 , clinical symptoms may occur, including the so-called papilloma in a child or adult, specifically condyloma acuminata.

Expert advises

Genital warts, also known as genital warts or papillomas, most often appear around the external genitalia and anus in children and adults, appearing as pink, cauliflower-like bumps. Although genital warts in children do not pose a cancer risk, they can be bothersome, difficult to treat, and often recur. Furthermore, types 6 and 11 are responsible for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), which can be particularly serious in young children, leading to airway obstruction.

Emilia Konka

Resident doctor at the Department of Congenital Defects in Metabolism and Pediatrics, Institute of Mother and Child

Symptoms of HPV infection that may indicate an increased risk of cancer in the future

When it comes to the symptoms of HPV infection in children or adults, associated with an increased risk of developing cancer (precancerous lesions) , they are difficult to diagnose on your own . In women, the infection can lead to dysplastic changes (precancerous conditions: CIN1, CIN2, CIN3) in the cervix, which can be detected during screening tests (cytology).

Persistent infection (lasting longer than 24 months) with a high-risk HPV type is associated with an increased risk of developing CIN, VIN, VaIN (precancerous lesions of the vulva and vagina) and anal and penile cancer in men.

Vaccinating children against HPV as an effective form of protection

The most effective primary prevention tool against HPV- related diseases is vaccination, including childhood vaccination . The vaccine is most effective when administered before exposure to the virus, meaning before initiating sexual activity.

HPV vaccination in children: how many doses and at what age should they be given to provide the best protection?

In Poland, childhood HPV vaccinations are currently included in a free program for girls and boys aged 9 to 14. How many doses of the HPV vaccine are needed?

The free vaccination program in Poland for children aged 9 to 14 uses a two-dose schedule.

You already know how many doses of the HPV vaccine are given to children, but what about adults? 

For older adults and standard vaccination schedules, two main preventive vaccines are available: bivalent (against HPV 16, 18) and quadrivalent (against HPV 6, 11, 16, 18). How many doses do these vaccinations consist of? For both types of HPV vaccines, the full course schedule includes three doses :

• Quadrivalent vaccine: 1st dose (day 1), 2nd dose (2 months later), 3rd dose (6 months after 1st dose).
• Bivalent vaccine: 1st dose (day 1), 2nd dose (1 month later), 3rd dose (6 months after 1st dose).

Please note that interrupting the vaccination series after the first dose may not ensure a sufficiently high antibody titer, which may require repeating the entire series.

Vaccinating children against HPV – is it worth vaccinating boys too?

Although the primary goal of prevention is cervical cancer, HPV vaccination is recommended for every child over the age of nine, regardless of gender. The free vaccination program in Poland currently covers both boys and girls.

Vaccinating boys has several benefits:

• protection against HPV-dependent cancers, such as: penile and anal cancer;
• protection against genital warts (condyloma acuminata, so-called papilloma in a child), for which types 6 and 11 are responsible;
• breaking the chain of virus transmission and increasing population immunity.

HPV vaccination cost

Thanks to the introduction of nationwide prevention programs, the price of the HPV vaccination is no longer an obstacle preventing a child from getting vaccinated.

For adolescents over 14 years of age and adults, HPV vaccination is listed in the National Immunization Program in Part II – recommended vaccinations, which are not funded by the Ministry of Health. This means that the full cost of the HPV vaccine is usually borne by the patient, although local governments or other sponsors may finance preventive programs.

The price of a single dose of HPV vaccination administered privately depends on the vaccine type and vaccination location, but is typically around 600–700 PLN per dose. The full vaccination schedule for adults typically includes three doses , so the price of a full vaccination is significant and can reach as much as 1,800–2,100 PLN. It's worth noting that HPV vaccination prices may vary between facilities and depending on available reimbursement programs.

Is it worth getting vaccinated against HPV in adulthood and how many doses should you take?

HPV vaccination is recommended for everyone over the age of 9 , and there is no upper age limit for this vaccination.

Expert advises

It's worth getting vaccinated against HPV in adulthood, even if you're already sexually active. People already infected with one HPV type can protect themselves from infection with other types included in the vaccine by getting vaccinated. However, it's important to remember that the vaccine is preventative and not intended to treat existing CIN or VIN lesions. Vaccination does not alter the course of an existing infection. For sexually active women aged 19–26 or older (even up to 55 years) who may have already been exposed to HPV, there is no routine recommendation for vaccination, and the decision should be made individually after consulting a doctor and considering the potential benefits. It's worth knowing that 96% of sexually active women over 26 years of age are negative for HPV 16/18 DNA, and some of them will benefit from vaccination.

Emilia Konka

Resident doctor at the Department of Congenital Defects in Metabolism and Pediatrics, Institute of Mother and Child

When it comes to how many doses of HPV vaccination are needed in adulthood, the three-dose schedule mentioned above is typically used.

Important: Every sexually active woman must have a Pap smear before vaccination to rule out pre-existing CIN or cervical cancer. Regardless of vaccination, women must continue regular Pap smear screening because vaccines do not protect against all oncogenic HPV types.

HPV vaccination side effects: Is there cause for concern?

The issue of side effects of the HPV vaccine is frequently raised by parents. Clinical trials have shown that the available vaccines (bivalent and quadrivalent) have shown few adverse effects.

The observed side effects were short-lived and disappeared no later than a few days after the injection.

The most common side effects of HPV vaccination (in 1 in 10 people) include:

• Pain at the injection site.
• Reaction at the injection site (redness, itching).

The following side effects of HPV vaccination have been observed commonly (between 1 in 100 and 1 in 10 people) :

• Digestive disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain).
• Skin symptoms (erythema, itching, hives).
• Joint pain.

Serious side effects, or adverse events, were observed rarely and were considered likely to be related to vaccination. The risk of serious side effects was comparable in the HPV vaccinated and control groups.

Vaccinations are considered safe and their use is recommended by the Polish Gynecological Society and other scientific societies.

Summary: why is it worth protecting your child against HPV?

The HPV virus in children and adults is a silent enemy that may not cause any symptoms for years , yet it may lead to serious health consequences.

That's why it's so important for parents to know that a child's papilloma or the lack of visible symptoms of the HPV virus are just part of the picture— true protection comes only from vaccinating children against HPV . This effectively reduces the risk of HPV-related cancers and breaks the chain of virus transmission in the population.

If you are wondering how many doses of the HPV vaccine are needed or whether to vaccinate boys as well, remember: the earlier we start prevention, the greater the chance for a healthy, safe adulthood for our children.

It's not too late to get vaccinated against HPV in adulthood , although the cost of the full vaccination course is fully covered by the patient. A conscious decision to vaccinate against HPV is an investment in the future of the entire family—an immunity that's truly worth building for years to come.

Bibliography (access to internet sources as of 21.11.2025/XNUMX/XNUMX):

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2. Ministry of Health. HPV vaccinations. GOV.PL. Online access: https://www.gov.pl/web/zdrowie/hpv.
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5.  WHO (World Health Organization). Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. Online access: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7062568/.
6. Bednarczyk RA Addressing HPV vaccine myths: practical information for healthcare providers. 2019; 15(7-8): 1628–1638. DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1565267.
7. Niewada M., Jakubczyk M., Macioch T. et al. Clinical and economic aspects of HPV vaccination. Curr. Gynecol. Oncol. 2013; 11 (2): 137–150.
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Medical consultation

Emilia Konka

Resident doctor at the Department of Congenital Defects in Metabolism and Pediatrics, Institute of Mother and Child