HPV

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus, known as HPV, is the most common sexually transmitted infection in Canada. Three out of four sexually active Canadian adults will have at least one HPV infection in their lifetime.

In women, HPV has been linked to cancer of the cervix, vulva and vagina and in men, to cancer of the penis. In both women and men, it has been linked to cancer of the anus, mouth and throat.

The HPV vaccine can protect against HPV-related cancers and diseases.

How is it spread?

HPV is spread by skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, including oral sex. You do not have to have sexual intercourse to get an HPV infection. Any contact in the genital area or skin around the genitals can potentially spread HPV.

If you are sexually active, you can protect yourself from HPV by using barrier methods (condoms and dental dams).

HPV symptoms

Most people never develop symptoms and do not know that they have been infected with HPV. They can still carry the virus and infect others.

When someone gets infected, they can develop genital warts, which are usually painless but may be itchy, uncomfortable and difficult to get rid of. This is often the only visible sign that someone has an HPV infection.

Protect yourself with the HPV vaccine

The HPV vaccine, Gardasil 9® (HPV9) has been available since 2016. It is approved for use in females aged 9-45 and males aged 9-26.

The vaccine is almost 100 percent effective against the four most common strains of the HPV virus and provides protection against an additional five other cancer-causing strains. The vaccine is most effective when given before sexual activity begins. Those who are already sexually active can still benefit from the vaccine.

The HPV vaccine does not replace routine HPV cervical screening tests. The HPV vaccine program is just one part of cancer prevention. Even if vaccinated, women still need regular HPV testing because the vaccine does not protect against all cancer causing HPV types.

Is the vaccine safe?

The HPV vaccine is safe and well tolerated. Approval for use of the vaccine was based on many clinical trials and studies showing that it is safe. People who were subjects of the studies had very few side effects.

The most common side effect is temporary soreness at the site of injection. There is also no risk of getting an HPV infection from the vaccine. HPV vaccine does not contain any thimerosal or mercury.

You should not get the HPV vaccine if you:

Have already been fully immunized with Gardasil®
Had a bad reaction to a previous dose of the HPV vaccine
Are allergic to yeast, aluminum, sodium chloride, L-histidine, polysorbate 80, sodium borate
Are pregnant

Grade 7 vaccine program

In Ontario, the HPV vaccine is offered for free to all children in Grade 7 until the end of their Grade 12 year of high school. HPV vaccination is not mandatory but it is recommended.

Students who start their HPV series between 9-14 years of age need two doses of the vaccine to complete their series. Those starting their series after turning 15 need to complete a three-dose series.

A female student who has completed a series of Cervarix® (HPV2) or Gardasil® (HPV4) is not eligible to receive the publicly funded Gardasil 9® (HPV9). There are currently no guidelines to provide additional doses of HPV vaccine for females. A male student who has completed a series of Cervarix® (HPV2) is still eligible to receive publicly funded Gardasil 9® (HPV9).

Learn more about Grade 7 school clinics.

Vaccine access for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men

In Ontario, the HPV vaccine is offered for free to men who have sex with other men who are 26 years of age or under. The vaccine is available through Public Health or your health care provider.