Human papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 100 different types of viruses, spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact and can cause a variety of cancers as well as genital warts.

HPV is very common: three out of four sexually active people who are not immunized will get HPV at some point in their lives. Anyone who has any kind of sexual activity with another person involving oral, genital, or anal contact can get HPV. Sexual intercourse is not necessary to become infected. The more sexual partners you have the higher the risk of being infected with HPV. Men who have sex with men are also at higher risk of HPV infection.

To protect yourself and any current or future partner(s).

The HPV vaccine is a cancer prevention vaccine. The vaccine that is publicly funded in British Columbia protects against nine types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). These viruses cause about 90 per cent of cervical cancers, the majority of anal cancers, and other genital, head and neck cancers. The vaccine also protects against genital warts.

The HPV vaccine is very safe. Vaccines are approved for use in Canada only if they meet very strict standards for safety and effectiveness. The HPV vaccine has been well studied in clinical trials. It was only approved for use in Canada after studies showed it was safe and effective.