HPV and the HPV Vaccine

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus. There are more than 200 types of HPV-related viruses. Some types affect the skin, while others affect the genital area, mouth, and throat.
• People with HPV infection may not know that they have it because they may not have symptoms. If symptoms do develop, it may take 2-3 months or longer for them to appear.
• HPV is spread through close skin‑to‑skin contact, including sexual activity. Penetrative sex is not required to transmit HPV.
• HPV is so common that most people who are sexually active will get HPV at some point in their lives. In Canada up to 75 per cent of people will get the virus during their life. Most people who get HPV will show no signs of it.

• Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and go away on their own as the immune system clears the virus.
• In about 80–90% of people, HPV becomes undetectable within one to two years without treatment.
• In some people, certain types of HPV can stay in the body. 

High‑risk types of HPV can cause several cancers, including:

• Cervical cancer
• Anal cancer
• Penile cancer
• Vaginal and vulvar cancers
• Head and neck cancers (mouth and throat)

HPV causes almost all cases of cervical cancer and many other cancers of the genitals and throat.

Low risk types of HPV can cause genital warts, which are not cancerous. 

 You can help prevent HPV by getting vaccinated.

The HPV vaccine is safe and effective.  It protects against the HPV types most commonly linked to cancer and genital warts.

Quick Facts about the HPV vaccine

• It protects against cancer

• It is effective against over 90% of cervical and anal cancers and 90% of genital warts

• It is free until the end of grade 12 and in males aged 26 and younger who have sex with other men

• It prevents genital warts

• It is safe

• It has long-lasting protection

• The vaccine is usually given in 2 injections, at least 6 months apart. Some people – for example older students and people with weakened immune systems – may get 3 injections over 6 months. 

• The HPV vaccine is recommended for all children and youth. It works best if given before they are exposed to HPV.
• Ontario students in grades 7–12 can get the vaccine for free.
• Students in Grades 8 to 12 who missed it earlier can still get the vaccine for free through catch‑up programs from their local public health unit or their primary care provider.
• Additionally, gay or bisexual males up to 26 years of age can get the vaccine for free They should talk to a health care provider to contact the Sexual Health Clinic to make an appointment
• If you do not qualify for a free HPV vaccine, talk to your family doctor or nurse practitioner about whether you should get it. Some private health insurance plans, such as those through work or school, may help cover the cost. 

• The HPV9 vaccine protects against 9 high-risk strains of HPV:

  • 7 types of HPV that cause approximately 90% of cervical cancers as well as cancers of the vagina, vulva, anus, penis, mouth and throat.
  • 2 types of HPV that cause about 90% of cases of genital warts.

• The HPV vaccine is safe! HPV vaccines have been used in Canada for many years and are closely monitored for safety. 
• The HPV vaccine cannot cause HPV infection or cancer.

• Side effects are usually mild and do not last long. The most common side effects are a sore arm, redness, and swelling where the vaccine is given. Some people may also have a headache, fever and/or nausea (feel sick to their stomach).

• Many people who get the HPV vaccine do not have side effects. 

How do I get the HPV vaccine?

In Grade 7

• Public Health visits Ottawa schools to give the HPV vaccine Gardasil® 9 to Grade 7 students.
• Clinics are held 2 times during the school year for grade 7 students.  An appointment is not needed to get the vaccines in the school.

Grades 8 to 12

You can still get the HPV vaccine for free in Ontario.

Your options:

• Talk to your Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner
• Visit an Ottawa Public Health Neighborhood Health and Wellness Hub or assess other Community Vaccination Clinics

Not in School Anymore?

• Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM), up to 26 years of age can get the vaccine for free They should talk to a health care provider to contact the Sexual Health Clinic to make an appointment
• Other individuals In Ontario may be able to receive the HPV vaccination. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to learn more. Some private health insurance plans (through work or school) may help cover the cost.

• Even if you are vaccinated against HPV, regular cervical cancer screening is still important for people with a cervix. Screening can detect HPV infections and cervical changes early, before cancer develops. 
• Cervical screening is part of the Ontario Cervical Cancer Screening Program. It is free and done by your primary health‑care provider. Even if you have had the HPV vaccine, regular screening is still important. If you do not have a health‑care provider, you can get screened through the  Champlain Screening Outreach Program. 

Why HPV vaccination matters

Prevents infection and cancer from HPV 

Protects people of all genders

Helps reduce the spread of HPV in the community