Table 5.

Standard responses to misinformation posts.

Topic	Response *
Safety	The safety of HPV vaccination was tested in thousands of volunteers before the vaccines were approved. Over the last decade, more than 100 million doses have been distributed in the United States. The HPV vaccine has been carefully studied and has been shown to be safe, effective, and long-lasting.
Side effects	The most common side effects after HPV vaccine are mild and include pain in the arm where the shot was given, fever, dizziness, and nausea. Approximately 100 million doses of HPV vaccine have been distributed in the U.S. since the vaccine was introduced, and no serious side effects have been linked to HPV vaccination.
Effectiveness: Does the vaccine work?	Ongoing studies show that the HPV vaccination works very well. Since becoming available in 2006, this vaccine has already decreased HPV infection, genital warts, and precancers in young people.
Effectiveness: Risk	HPV is so common that almost everyone will be infected at some point in their lives. Most parents in South Carolina choose the HPV vaccine for their children. Almost 60% of teens in our state receive the first dose. The HPV vaccine prevents six cancers and other diseases in both girls and boys.
Infertility	Clinical trials before the first HPV vaccine was licensed in 2006 and safety monitoring and studies since its introduction have confirmed that the vaccine does not cause any reproductive problems in women.
Sexual activity: Promotion	Studies show that HPV vaccination does not lead to increased sexual activity or sex at a younger age. Getting the HPV vaccine before your child is exposed to the virus can prevent 6 HPV-related cancers. Even someone who waits until marriage for sex and only has one partner can still get HPV. The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls when they are 11 to 12 years old. The HPV vaccine is more effective when given at this age rather than waiting until a child is older.
Sexual activity: Wait until marriage	We know that all parents in South Carolina want to do what is best for their children and their families. HPV is so common that almost everyone will be infected at some point in their lives. Anyone who is sexually active can get HPV, even if you have had sex with only one person. The HPV vaccine prevents 6 HPV-related cancers in girls and boys.
Sexual activity: Condom	Using condoms the right way every time you have sex can lower your chances of getting HPV. But HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom—So condoms may not fully protect against getting HPV. The HPV vaccine prevents 6 HPV-related cancers in girls and boys.

* All responses started with: “Thank you for commenting! We appreciate hearing from you.” Responses also included a link to a credible third-party source of information, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).