Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

The HPV vaccine is publicly funded for both boys and girls in grade 6 as part of the regular school-based immunization program.

The HPV vaccine is also publicly funded for those under 19 years of age, who were eligible in grade 6 but did not receive the vaccine.

If you start the HPV vaccine series before you turn 19 it can be completed with publicly funded HPV vaccine prior to your 26th birthday; if you had to pay for the series it would cost more than $600.

Update: To maximize immunization opportunities, males born from January to June 2005 have until June 30, 2024 to start the HPV vaccine series. This is in addition to people born later who are already eligible. 

The HPV vaccine provides protection against 25-35 per cent of mouth and throat cancers, 40-50 per cent of penile cancers, 80-90 per cent of anal cancers, almost all cases of cervical cancer, and 40 per cent of vaginal and vulvar cancers, and about 90% of cases of genital warts.

Learn more about the BC HPV immunization program from the BCCDC Website

The HPV Vaccine is offer as part of the school immunization program in Interior Health in grade 6 or as part of catch up immunizations in grade 9.

Additionally, appointments can be booked for the HPV vaccine by calling participating pharmacies or your local health centre.