Protect your child from cancer with the HPV vaccine

The HPV vaccine is designed to protect against the types of HPV that can lead to cancer or cause genital warts —and it works very well. When given at a young age, the HPV vaccine is nearly 100 per cent effective at preventing infection of the most common types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer, other cancers, and genital warts.

Within Interior Health and B.C., Gardasil®9 (HPV9) is used for the publicly funded HPV immunization program. It’s approved by Health Canada for both males and females. 

The vaccine is free for eligible people in B.C. It’s available through the BC School Immunization program in grade six so that kids can be protected before they are exposed to the virus. 

Four things you need to know about the HPV Vaccine

1. The HPV vaccine is cancer prevention. The vaccine protects against several forms of cancer, including cancers of the mouth, throat, cervix, anus, vagina, vulva and penis.
2. Age matters—don’t wait to vaccinate.The best time for your child to get the vaccine is in grade 6. The protection is most effective when given before any possible exposure to HPV.
3. The HPV vaccine is safe. This vaccine has been around for over 15 years, with more than 200 million doses safely administered worldwide.
4. HPV vaccines work! The HPV vaccine works very well and can protect your child now and in the future. When given to your child at a young age, the HPV vaccine is nearly 100 per cent effective at preventing infection of the most common types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer, some other cancers, and genital warts. This means you have one less worry, and can focus on other things, like getting them to hockey or music lessons on time!

As a parent you can protect you child from developing cancer in the future by getting them vaccinated for HPV now.

HPV immunizations are provided as part of the BC School Immunization program in grade 6. 

If your child missed getting protection from HPV caused cancers in grade 6 you can contact your local health centre, trusted health-care provider or a pharmacy in your community that offers the HPV vaccine to schedule an appointment to get vaccinated.

While the HPV vaccine is a vital part of preventing cancer, screening is also an essential tool. HPV self-screening is now available at home or through a healthcare facility, making it easier for people to detect the virus and prevent cancers from developing. 

As David Byres, President and CEO of the Provincial Health Services Authority, says:

If you’re unsure about the screening options or want more information, look at BC Cancer’s cervix self-screening program for more details.

Did you know that March 4 is HPV Awareness Day? It’s the perfect opportunity to learn more about the importance of the HPV vaccine and help spread awareness.

The HPV vaccine is an investment in your child’s future health. So don’t wait! Protect your child today.

For more information about the HPV vaccine, visit the following resources:

• ImmunizeBC HPV Vaccine
• HealthLink BC HPV Vaccines
• BC Cancer Self-Screening Program
• HPV Prevention (BC Cancer)

Visit interiorhealth.ca/HPV for more detailed information on the HPV vaccine and how it can protect your child.

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