Why grade 8 girls?
Grade 8 was chosen because the HPV vaccine is most effective if given to females before they become sexually active. At the same time, girls in Grade 8 are aware of sexually transmitted infections and will be better able to understand the benefits of the vaccine. Hepatitis B and Meningococcal C school-based vaccination programs will continue for Grade 7.
What is HPV?
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that causes cervical cancer and
genital warts. About 70 % of adults will have at least one HPV infection in their lifetime.
How is HPV spread?
HPV is most commonly spread during sexual activity by skin-to-skin contact with a person with HVP.
What are the symptoms of HPV?
Most people never get symptoms and may not know they are infected with HPV but they still carry the virus and can infect others. A person with HVP can develop cervical abnormalities, cervical cancer, other genital cancers, or genital warts.
How can I help protect my child from HPV?
Get your child vaccinated. The vaccine can prevent infection from four types of HPV which cause 70% of cervical cancer and 90% of genital warts.
How is the HPV vaccine given?
The vaccine is given as a needle in the arm. Your daughter needs three shots of the HPV vaccine to be protected. The three doses of the vaccine are given during the school year. Usually, the second dose is 2 months after the first dose and the third dose is 6 months after the first dose.
Who should get the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is approved for females aged 9 to 26. It is most effective when given before a girl is sexually activite. The provincial government is funding the HPV vaccine. This means that all girls in Grade 8 can get the vaccine free in school based clinics.
Who should NOT get the HPV vaccine?
Your child should not get the HPV vaccine if she:
• Has already had all three HPV shots.
• Has had a serious reaction to the HPV vaccine.
• Has a yeast allergy or is allergic to a vaccine component (e.g., aluminum, yeast, sodium chloride).
• Is pregnant.
Your daughter shouldn’t get the vaccine if she has a fever or anything more serious than a cold.
Are there side effects from the vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is safe and approved for use in Canada for females ages 9 to 26 years. The HPV vaccine has similar side effects to most other vaccines.
These side effects include:
• Redness
• Tenderness, soreness
• Swelling of the injection site
Less common side effects include:
• Fever
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headache
Severe reactions, although very rare, can happen. These include:
• Trouble with breathing
• Swelling of the face or mouth
• Fever over 39°C
• Hives or rashes.
Seek medical attention immediately if your child has any type of severe reaction to the vaccine.
How good is the vaccine?
The vaccine is almost 100% effective against the four HPV types that it targets. Studies have shown good protection for five years after vaccination. There is no risk of getting an HPV infection from the vaccine.
