HPV, more commonly known as Human Papillomavirus infections are the most common sexually transmitted diseases that can affect both men and women. HPV has been associated with different cancers in men and women including cervical cancer, vulvar and vaginal cancers, anal cancer, throat cancer, and penile cancer. It is also the cause of anal and genital warts.

Anyone who engages in any type of sexual activity including oral, genital or anal contact is at risk for HPV. It is not necessary to have sexual intercourse to be infected with HPV. Not all HPV infections cause symptoms, so it is not always possible to know if you are infected. It is then possible to pass on the infection to others without even knowing it.

How can I prevent HPV?
Gardasil 9 is a vaccine that prevents cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers and related pre-cancerous lesions caused by HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. The vaccine also prevents anal and genital warts caused by HPV types 6 and 11.

Who should receive the Gardasil 9 vaccine?
Gardasil 9 is recommended for both men and women. It is provided free for boys and girls in grade 6. It is also provide free to individuals between 9-26 years of age who are:

• Boys born on or after January 1st, 2006
• Girls born in 1994 or later
• HIV positive
• Transgender
• Men who have sex with men, including those who may not yet be sexually active and are questioning their sexual orientation
• Men who are street involved

It is also provided free to males who are:

• 9-18 years of age in care of the Ministry of Child and Family Development
• In youth custody services centres

The Gardasil 9 vaccine is also recommended but not provided free to:

• Women born before 1994 who are 45 years of age and younger
• Men 9-26 years of age who do not fall into one of the above categories
• Men 27 years of age and older who are men who have sex with men.

Gardasil 9 vaccine schedule:

Healthy individuals 9-14 years of age:
2 doses separated by 6 months

Immunocompromised individuals 9-14 years of age, and all individuals 15 years of age and older:
3 doses at 0, 2, and 6 months

There is no recommendation for a booster after completing the initial series.

Call us at 604-251-1975 to arrange an appointment or to receive further information about the Gardasil 9 vaccine.