Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine

Gardasil™ is a new vaccine approved by Health Canada.in2006. Its purpose is to reduce the incidence of genital warts and cervical cancer in girls and women between 9 and 26 years of age.

The Yukon has added HPV vaccine to its regular immunization schedule for girls in grade six. For the school year 2009/10, a catch-up program will also make the vaccine available to girls in grades seven and eight. The vaccine is voluntary and will require parental consent.

Those interested in obtaining the vaccine can contact their local health centre [www.hss.gov.yk.ca/programs/nursing/community_health/] to make arrangements.

For more information on the vaccine, please see the Health Canada web site [www.hc-sc.gc.ca/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/hpv-vph_e.html] or contact Whitehorse Health Centre at 867-667-8864 or toll-free from Yukon communities at 1-800-661-0408, ext. 8864.

(Updated March 2009)

HPV is transmitted through sexual activity and is the cause of almost all cases of cervical cancer. The virus also causes genital warts and changes in the cells of the cervix which are seen when a pap test is conducted.

The maximum benefit of this vaccine can be achieved by providing it to girls before they become sexually active. The vaccine protects against HPV types that cause about 70 per cent of cervical cancer. It is licensed and recommended for females aged nine to 26 years of age in Canada and requires a series of three injections over a six month period.

The Yukon's Territorial Advisory Committee on Immunization (TACI) supports the vaccine.