What is HPV and why does the vaccine matter? HPV stands for human papillomavirus, and it comes in different types. Some cause genital warts, while others can lead to precancerous changes in the cervix. In my practice, I recommend the HPV vaccine for both boys and girls ages 9 to 42. ✨ For boys, it helps prevent warts. ✨ For girls, it also protects against high-risk HPV serotypes that may lead to cervical cancer later in life. Vaccination is prevention—long before there’s a problem. If you have q