IMMUNIZATION – YOUR BEST PROTECTION

Vaccines are the best way to protect against some very serious diseases.  Receiving three doses of the Human Papillomavirus vaccine protects against four types of Human Papillomavirus or HPV, including the two types that cause 70% of cervical cancers and the two types that cause 90% of genital warts.  There are about 1,400 Canadian women diagnosed with cervical cancer each year.  It is the second most common cancer in women aged 20 to 44.  The vaccine will be given today, 2 months from today and 6 months from today.  The vaccine offers protection for at least five years.

What is HPV?

HPV is a common virus that affects both females and males.  It is the most common sexually transmitted infection in Canada.  Approximately 75% of Canadians will have at least one HPV infection during their lifetime.  There are many different types of HPV.  Some cause no harm.  Others can cause diseases of the genital area.  For most people the virus goes away on its own.  When the virus does not go away it can develop into cervical cancer, precancerous lesions, or genital warts, depending on the HPV type.   

How is HPV spread?

A male or female of any age who takes part in any kind of sexual activity that involves skin-to-skin genital contact is at risk.  Many people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms.  This means that they can pass the virus to others and not know it.

Who should have the vaccine?

• Females and males between 9 and 26 years of age.  The vaccine is most effective in girls between 9 and 13 years of age, before they become sexually active. 

• Females and males between 14 and 26 years would benefit even if they are already sexually active, as they may not yet have HPV infection.  It is unlikely that they would be infected with all four HPV types included in the vaccine.    

Who should not have the vaccine?

Anyone:

• who has had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of the HPV vaccine.

• who has a serious illness on the day the needle is to be given

• who is allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine which include: yeast, aluminum, polysorbate 80 and sodium borate.

• who is pregnant

What to look for after the vaccine:

• redness, soreness or swelling may occur where the needle was given.

• fever, headache, nausea, dizziness, vomiting and diarrhea.

• Allergic reactions like hives, swelling of the face and/or mouth, or difficulty breathing occur very rarely.  If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.

Call your doctor if you develop any symptoms that are severe or last more than a few days.  Please note that serious side effects are very unlikely to occur and the benefits of the vaccine are much greater than the risks.

For more information on this vaccine, contact one of the numbers below and ask to speak to a Public Health Nurse in the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program.