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The HPV Vaccine, Gardasil™, protects against 2 types of Human Papilloma Viruses that cause most cervical cancers. It also protects against 2 types of HPV that cause most genital warts.
The vaccine is given in a series of 3 shots over a 6 month period.
The vaccine is recommended for girls and women between the ages of 9 and 26 years before they come in contact with HPV.
Starting in the 2008-2009 school year, HPV vaccine will be provided free to girls in BC in grades 6 and 9 because:
For women not covered by the school-based program, please talk to your 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.
At this time, there is no recommendation for boys and men to receive the HPV vaccine. Studies are looking at how the vaccine works in males, and recommendations may change in the future.
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 911 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 immunization. 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/guardians and their minor children discuss immunizations beforehand, and ask the nurse or doctor any questions.
