Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

About the HPV vaccine

About human papillomavirus 

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI’s).
    •  About 3 in 4 people who are unimmunized and sexually active will become infected at some point in life. 
    • Many people do not have symptoms so they may spread the virus without knowing. 
    • Anyone who engages in oral, genital, or anal contact is at risk of HPV. 
    • Having multiple sexual partners increases your risk.  
  • Five percent of all cancers worldwide are attributed to HPV infection (CIG). 
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    • Gardasil®9, also known as HPV-9, is the current HPV vaccine administered in the Yukon.  
    • The HPV-9 vaccine is an inactivated vaccine which helps protect all individuals against 9 types of human papillomavirus viruses, including types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58.  
    • The HPV-9 vaccine helps protect against: 
      • genital warts; 
      • cervical cancer; 
      • penile cancer 
      • anal cancer;  
      • vaginal cancer; 
      • vulvar cancer; 
      • throat cancer.  
    • In the Yukon the HPV-9 vaccine is routinely given in Grade 6, but anyone from the ages of 9 to 26 are eligible.  
    • Individuals 27 to 45 years of age living with HIV and those being followed for cervical dysplasia are also eligible for the publicly funded vaccine. 
    • Individuals between 9 to 20 years of age require one dose.  
    • Individuals between 21 and 26 require 2 doses.  
    • People with significantly compromised immune systems may require 3 doses for complete protection.  
    • The vaccine is safe and approximately 95 to 100 percent effective at protecting against 9 strains of HPV. 
    • Individuals who may have already been exposed to HPV still benefit from immunization. 
    • Common reactions to the immunization may include redness, tenderness, and swelling at the injection site. Some may develop a fever, headache, fatigue, or digestive problems. These are generally mild and last 1-2 days. 
    • Side effects of the immunization are easily relieved by: Applying a cold/damp compress to the site, administering a pain-relieving medication such as acetaminophen if needed. Talk to health care provider if your symptoms are severe or last longer than 48 hours. 
    • It is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any immunization because there is a rare possibility of developing a severe allergic reaction which is treatable at the clinic. This happens to fewer than 1 in 1 million people. If it happens after you leave the clinic, call 911 or the local emergency number. 

Find out how to get immunized