HPV Vaccine
A new vaccine is now available that can protect women against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) types 16 and 18, which are responsible for an estimated 70 per cent of cervical cancers, as well as types 6 and 11, which cause 90 per cent of genital warts.
The vaccine is a three-shot series (first shot, second shot two months later, third shot four months after the second).
While the vaccine is currently only paid for by the government for girls in grade 8, it is available for about $400 (for all three of the needles) through your health care provider. Some insurance companies will pay for the cost of the vaccine.
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in Canada and in the world today. Unfortunately most sexually active people who have HPV are unaware that they have it, so the infection is often passed on to partners without even knowing it.
The HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV. Women and men still need to protect themselves against this sexually transmitted infection and regular pap screening is still important for women who have been sexually active for more than two years.
Follow this link to learn more about how to protect yourself from HPV, the vaccine, and the vaccine program. Or call the health unit and ask for Sexual Health. |
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