Human papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV stands for human papillomavirus. It's a virus that spreads through the mouth and through close skin-to-skin contact, such as during sexual activity. HPV is among the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Canada. HPV infection can cause anogenital warts as well as a variety of cancers, no matter your sex, gender or sexual orientation.

Getting immunized for HPV prepares the immune system to prevent infection. HPV immunization decreases HPV infections and cervical pre-cancers. More than nine of every 10 cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV. When you get immunized for HPV, you protect yourself and others.

The HPV vaccine is safe, with over 15 years of monitoring.

The HPV vaccine is provided free to B.C. residents:

• Nine to 26 years of age
  
  • School-aged children are routinely offered this dose in grade six
• Nine to 45 years of age living with HIV
• 27 to 45 years of age who are:
  
  • Two-Spirit, transgender or non-binary
  • Men who have sex with men, including those that may not yet be sexually active and are questioning their sexual orientation
• Who receive follow-up treatment after a colposcopy

Starting August 2025, people nine to 20 years of age will receive one dose of the vaccine. People 21-45 years of age will require two doses, and people who are immunocompromised will require three doses.

Early protection works best. The HPV vaccine is recommended sooner rather than later so that children are protected long before they ever have contact with the virus. The vaccine works best when given at a young age because preteens produce more antibodies after HPV vaccination than older teens.  

HPV vaccine is routinely given in grade six. This year, we are offering it to all students in grades six to 12 to ensure all youth in Fraser Health can get long-lasting protection against HPV.

• The HPV vaccine is offered through school-based immunization clinics for students in grades 6 to 12. For those who miss school clinics, immunizations are available at public health units and pharmacies.
• HPV vaccine is also available at pharmacies and from some family doctors and nurse practitioners. Click here for a list of pharmacies that provide HPV vaccines.
• Click here for more details on how to get immunized.

Check your immunization records to see if you’ve received the HPV vaccine.

How is safety of the vaccine monitored? What are the risk or possible side effects of the HPV vaccine?

• Vaccines are only approved for use in Canada if they meet strict standards for safety and effectiveness.
• The HPV vaccine was studied in clinical trials and was approved for use in Canada only after the studies showed it was safe and effective. Clinical trials have found no increase in serious side effects in people who received the vaccine compared with those who received a placebo. A placebo is a substance with no active vaccine that is given to people so researchers can tell whether effects are caused by the vaccine.
• Since approval in Canada and other countries, hundreds of millions of doses of HPV vaccines have been given worldwide. These doses continue to be monitored for safety and side effects by Canadian and global monitoring systems. Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization regularly reviews research and data and updates its vaccine recommendations as needed.
• Common reactions to the HPV vaccine are similar to reactions from other vaccines and include redness, swelling and soreness in the arm where the vaccine was given. Fever, fatigue, headache and muscle or joint ache may also occur. As with other vaccines, fainting has occurred following HPV vaccination. Fainting can occur with any medical procedure, not just the HPV vaccine, and people recover quickly. Fainting is caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure. Find more information on fainting and how to prevent it here.
• For more information on vaccine safety, visit www.immunize.ca/vaccine-safety.

How effective is the vaccine at preventing HPV and cancer?

• The HPV vaccine offered in B.C. protects against nine types of HPV virus: HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. These types of HPV cause nearly all cases of cervical cancer, 90 per cent of cases of anal cancer, and about half of cancers of the vagina, vulva, penis, mouth and throat.
• When given at a young age, the HPV vaccine is nearly 100 per cent effective at preventing HPV-related disease and genital warts.
• The first age group to have been part of a coordinated provincial effort to administer the HPV vaccine are now around 30 years old, so it is still early to see the full impacts of cancer prevention for a person long-term. However, medical researchers have found reductions in HPV infections, in cervical pre-cancer (abnormal cells that may develop into cancer) and reductions in cancer. Find more information here: New research confirms HPV vaccination prevents cervical cancer | Cochrane.

How many doses of the vaccine are recommended?

• For people aged 9-20 years, one dose of the HPV9 vaccine is recommended based on the evidence and recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), Canada’s national vaccine advisory committee.
• People who received one dose of the HPV9 vaccine when they were 9 to 20 years old are now considered fully vaccinated, even if two doses were recommended at the time of their immunization.
• Studies have shown that one dose of the HPV vaccine provides similar protection to two doses for people aged 9 to 20. Some studies have followed participants for up to 11 years and HPV immunization continued to show lasting protection. Experts believe that one dose will protect just as well as two doses against HPV and related health problems, like cancer and genital warts.
• For most people over 20 years old, two doses are recommended.
• Some people may be given 3 doses if they are immunocompromised or have certain medical conditions.

Until what age can you get the HPV vaccine?

• The HPV vaccine is approved for use in people aged 9 to 45.
• The vaccine is not publicly funded for most people over 26 in B.C. and would need to be purchased, though some private health plans may cover the cost.
• If you're between 27 and 45, talk to your health care provider to see if the vaccine is right for you. You may still benefit from vaccination. In some cases, the vaccine may also be considered for people over 45 based on individual risk.

To find answers to more common questions about the HPV vaccine, visit: www.healthlinkbc.ca/hpv or www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-library/immunizations/immunization-faq

I’m new to B.C. or Canada, how does my child get immunizations?

• Vaccine records do not transfer from other provinces or countries to B.C. When you move to B.C., get your child’s vaccine records entered into B.C.’s system by visiting www.fraserhealth.ca/immunizationform
• If you’re not sure what vaccines your child needs, call public health to speak to a nurse.
• If your child is in grades 6 -12 in Fraser Health, they will be offered vaccines at school. You will get a letter with information about which vaccines your child needs.
• If your child misses the school clinic they can get immunized at a public health unit, a pharmacy, or from your doctor or nurse practitioner. Visit www.fraserhealth.ca/howtogetimmunized to learn more.

How do school immunization clinics work? How will I know what vaccines my child gets at school?

• Fraser Health will bring school immunization clinics to schools for students in grades 6-12. Most schools will offer two or three clinic days.
• A few weeks before the school clinic students will receive a package from their school with information on the vaccines they need and a consent form.
• You can give consent online at immunizationconsent.gov.bc.ca or on the paper form in the letter. Your child will get the vaccines you approve and students in grade 9 and above can give their own consent for vaccines under B.C. law.
• We recommend students get all the vaccines they need to ensure they are properly protected.
• If your child misses the school clinic or needs more vaccines they will receive a letter or phone call from public health.

How can I support my child who is nervous about needles?

• You can help your child have a better experience by being positive and talking to them ahead of time about what to expect. Learn other helpful tips for your child here.
• You know your child best. If you feel they need a one-on-one appointment, you can book an appointment at a public health unit, a pharmacy or with your doctor or nurse practitioner. Visit www.fraserhealth.ca/howtogetimmunized for information.

How will my child’s privacy be protected during the school immunization process? How can my child’s vaccine decision be kept private?

• Information packages with each student’s immunization information are sent in sealed envelopes and delivered to schools for students to take home. The information can only be seen once envelopes are opened.
• School immunization clinics are typically held in large rooms/gyms, so it is possible that others in the room will see other students getting immunized. Usually, students can request a private space if they want.
• If you have more questions about your school’s immunization clinic, call a public health unit to speak to a school nurse.

How can my child get immunized if they don’t attend a school clinic?

• You can book an appointment by calling public health at 604-702-4906 for residents of Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Agassiz and Hope or 604-476-7087 for all other areas of Fraser Health. They can also get vaccinated at some pharmacies or from your family doctor or nurse practitioner. Visit www.fraserhealth.ca/howtogetimmunized to learn more.