When Scottish scientists examined data for 29,555 women born between 1988 and mid-1996, they found zero cases of invasive cervical cancer in those who got human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines at 12 or 13 years of age (unlike those who got no vaccines).

What to do

The CDC recommends two doses of the HPV vaccine for girls aged 11 and 12, though it can be given as early as age 9. Older girls and women can also get the vaccine, but earlier is better.