Protect your child from cancer with the HPV vaccine

March 4, 2025

If you're the parent of a preteen or teen, you might be wondering why the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is so important for your child's health. 
 
HPV is a common virus that can be spread through skin-to-skin and sexual contact. Some types of HPV cause changes in the cervix, anus, throat and other areas that can lead to cancer. Many people who have an HPV infection don’t show symptoms, which means they might unknowingly pass it on to others. 
 
Getting the HPV vaccine is one of the best ways to protect your child from certain cancers in the future; more than 70 per cent of people who haven't been vaccinated will get an HPV infection. 

“Dad, I have cancer”: A father’s plea to protect youth from HPV (Island Health)

Continue reading for more information about the HPV vaccine and why you should you make sure your child gets vaccinated.

 

Stories@IH

Read our latest stories

3 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Interior Health has non-judgmental drug checking services throughout the Interior region. Samples as small as a grain of rice can be tested.

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Lillooet Hospital holds a special place in Jessica McLellan's heart. A 3rd-generation resident of Lillooet, she has served as LDHF's chair since 2018.

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Righting wrongs gives Sharon a sense of purpose at work. There is no typical day in labour relations which makes the job exciting and a great fit for her.

3 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Many of us embrace our 50s and 60s as an opportunity for adventure. Even if you’re feeling healthy now, it’s a good idea to plan your future health decisions.

4 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Like many expectant moms, Emily Canzian attended prenatal classes and did a lot of preparing for her son Luca’s birth.

5 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Sept. 30 marks Orange Shirt Day & the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Our Indigenous staff & colleagues got together to share why they wear orange.

STAY CONNECTED

Receive news, alerts, public service announcements and articles right to your inbox.

mail