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The HPV vaccine, Gardasil™, protects girls and women against 2 types of Human Papillomaviruses that cause most cervical cancers. It also protects girls and women against 2 types of HPV that cause most genital warts.
The vaccine is recommended for girls and women between the ages of 9 and 26 years before they come in contact with HPV.
The HPV vaccine is provided free to girls in BC in grades 6 and 9 because:
Starting in the 2011/12 school year, the HPV vaccine will no longer be offered to girls in grade 9 in the school setting in B.C. These girls will have had an opportunity to receive the vaccine in grade 6.
Girls who missed getting HPV vaccine when it was offered in their grade 6 or 9 year, may contact their local health unit to get vaccinated.
Women not covered by the school-based program, should talk with their doctor.
The vaccine may also benefit women who are sexually active and have not yet been infected with HPV. The vaccine does not treat HPV infections.
While there is no recommendation for boys and men to receive the HPV vaccine at this time in Canada, you can speak with your health care provider or visit www.hpvinfo.ca/hpvinfo/teens/men-hpv.aspx for more information.
In women who have never been infected with HPV, the Gardasil™ vaccine:
| It is important for women to get regular Pap tests once they become sexually active because the HPV vaccine does not protect against all cancers of the cervix. |
Common reactions may include soreness, redness and swelling in the arm where the shot was given, headache and fever.
For any vaccine, there is an extremely rare possibility of a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. This may include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat, tongue, lips or eyes. If this happens, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. This reaction can be treated, and occurs in less than one in a million people who get the vaccine. It is important to stay in the clinic setting for 15 minutes after getting any vaccine.
Report serious or unexpected side effects to your public health nurse or doctor right away.
| Acetaminophen can be given for fever or soreness. ASA or Aspirin® should NOT be given to anyone under 20 years of age due to the risk of Reye Syndrome. |
The vaccine is not recommended for:
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Three out of 4 sexually active women will get HPV at some point in their lives.
Anyone who has any kind of sexual activity involving oral or genital contact can get HPV. Sexual intercourse is not necessary to get infected.
Every year in BC:
Effort is made to seek parental or guardian consent prior to immunizations. Children under the age of 19 who are able to understand the risks and benefits may consent to or refuse immunizations, regardless of the parent’s or guardian’s wishes. It is recommended that parents or guardians discuss immunizations with their minor children beforehand. Any questions should be directed to a nurse or doctor.
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For more HealthLink BC File topics, visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca/healthfiles/index.stm or your local public health unit. Click on www.HealthLinkBC.ca or call 8-1-1 for non-emergency health information and services in B.C. For deaf and hearing-impaired assistance, call 7-1-1 in B.C. Translation services are available in more than 130 languages on request. |
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