The parents and guardians of pupils admitted or advancing to the 6th grade level are hereby notified that the State of California advises that pupils adhere to current immunization guidelines, as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians, regarding full human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization before admission or advancement to the eighth grade level of any private or public elementary or secondary school. While HPV vaccination is not required for school, HPV vaccination is routinely recommended at age 11-12 years, and can start as early as 9 years. The vaccine is more effective if given sooner because pre-teens produce more antibodies after HPV vaccination than older teens. Vaccinating at a younger age can also protect kids before they are exposed to the virus. HPV vaccination can prevent over 90 percent of cancers caused by HPV. HPV vaccines are very safe, and scientific research shows that the benefits of HPV vaccination far outweigh the potential risks.    What we know about HPV:* HPV may be contracted via skin-to-skin contact and transmission increases with direct mucus membrane contact (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 2023).

• HPV has been directly linked to head, neck, larynx, and throat cancer and cervical cancer (Mount Sinai, 2022) and causes nearly 50,000 incidences of cancer annually. 
• The HPV vaccine is 97% effective in preventing HPV related cancers (National Institutes of Health, 2022).   
• Thirteen percent of 10 year olds have already been infected with HPV.Given that 10% of 13 year olds are infected with HPV, children ages 11–12 years should get two doses of HPV vaccine, given 6 to 12 months apart. Talk with your healthcare provider or district nurse if you have additional questions. For more information, please see Health and Safety Code 120336 and California Education Code 48980.4.