What is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that can lead to cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, head, neck and penis, and can also cause genital warts. It is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact/touching.
No matter what your sex, gender or sexual orientation may be, HPV is very common – around 3 out of 4 (75 per cent) Canadians become infected with HPV in their lifetime. HPV infections often clear up on their own over time, but in some cases, HPV will not go away and can lead to HPV-related cancers or genital warts.
What are the symptoms?
Most people infected with HPV do not show any signs or symptoms and can pass the virus onto others without knowing. In fact, HPV may not even show up on screening tests for years.
What are the risks?
High-risk types of HPV are associated with genital warts and cancer. For example, almost all cervical cancer cases (99 per cent) are linked to persistent, high-risk HPV infections.
However, nearly two-thirds (67 per cent) of HPV-related cancers occur in areas other than the cervix. HPV is associated with:
- 60-73 per cent of oropharyngeal cancers
- 90 per cent of anal cancers
- 40 per cent of vaginal and vulvar cancers
- 40-50 per cent of penile cancers
Although there is no cure for HPV, a vaccine exists which target the most high-risk types that are associated with genital warts and cancer.
What does the HPV vaccine protect against?
The HPV9 vaccine protects against 9 high-risk strains of HPV:
- 7 types of HPV that cause approx. 90 per cent of cervical cancers as well as cancers of the vagina, vulva, anus, penis, mouth and throat.
- 2 types of HPV that cause about 90 per cent of cases of genital warts.
Most of these cancers are related to high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, which are among the 9 strains that the HPV9 vaccine protects against.
Who should get the HPV vaccine?
In Canada, the HPV vaccine is recommended for all individuals 9 to 26 years of age. Vaccination before infection provides the best protection against HPV. Individuals 27 years of age or older who are at ongoing risk of exposure to HPV may also receive the HPV vaccine but is recommended that they speak to a health care provider to learn more.
Even with HPV vaccination, it is important to continue to be screened for cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, penile and certain head and neck cancers. Learn more about when you should get screened at Screening for cancer | Canadian Cancer Society or talk to a health care professional.
Watch: How to prevent head and neck cancer
Why is the HPV vaccine given in Grade 7?
The HPV vaccine is offered as early as Grade 7 in Ontario because:
- Youth can be protected before they ever have contact with HPV.
- The vaccine works best when it is given before being exposed to the virus and the immune system of youth at this age is stronger. Preteens make more antibodies after getting the vaccine than older teenagers or adults, which provides long-lasting protection against HPV.
- Grade 7 students only require 2 doses of the vaccine, while youth 15 years or older require 3 doses of the vaccine.
Who should not get the vaccine?
Speak with your health care provider to confirm whether you or your child(ren) should not get the HPV vaccine.
The vaccine is not recommended for anyone with a:
- Severe allergic reaction to any part of the vaccine or its container
- Serious allergic reaction to this vaccine in the past
- High fever or serious infection worse than a common cold (at the time of vaccination)
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of previous vaccine, speak to your health care provider about getting this vaccine. You can contact a Public Health Nurse directly via email at clientcommunitysupport@wdgpublichealth.ca or by calling 519-822-2715 ext. 7006.
Is the HPV vaccine free?
Some groups are eligible for the publicly-funded (free) HPV vaccine in Ontario:
- Youth in grades 7-12 (at their school clinic, public health, primary care provider)
- Males up to 26 years of age who self-identify as having sex with men (self-identify as gay, bisexual or transgender)
Outside of the publicly funded HPV immunization program, the cost of the HPV vaccine is approximately $170 per dose (youth 15 years and older require 3 doses to be considered fully vaccinated). Some individuals may have the vaccine covered with private health insurance.
Does the HPV vaccine work?
The HPV vaccine is effective at preventing HPV infections and related cancers as well as genital warts. With a completed series, the HPV vaccine has been proven to prevent the most common types of HPV infection related to
- Over 90 per cent of cervical cancers
- Up to 90 per cent of anal cancers
- Over 90 per cent genital warts
- 40 per cent of vaginal and vulvar cancers
- Up to 50 per cent of penile cancers
- Up to 35 per cent of mouth and throat cancers (oral and oropharyngeal cancers)
Studies around the world have shown that the HPV vaccine is highly effective. A recent 2024 study from Scotland has found that no invasive cervical cancer cases were detected in fully vaccinated woman who had their HPV vaccine at the age of 12-13 years old.
Is the HPV vaccine safe?
Yes, the HPV vaccine is safe. The HPV vaccine is approved and recommended by Health Canada and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) based on effectiveness and safety research. The vaccine has been monitored for over 15 years in Canada and evidence continues to suggest that the HPV vaccine is safe and well tolerated. Over 600 million doses of the vaccine have been safely given worldwide.
Learn more about the safety of the HPV vaccine from Health Canada.
Are there any potential side effects of the HPV vaccine?
Like any medicine or medical treatment, vaccines can have side effects. However, the side effects that may occur after receiving the HPV vaccine are often mild and go away in a few days.
Common side effects include:
- Redness, swelling, and/or pain at the injection site
- Muscle soreness
Less common but possible side effects include:
- Headache
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
How can I manage the side effects of the vaccine?
If you or your child experience pain and swelling where the vaccine was given, apply a cool, wet cloth or wrapped ice pack over the area. If you or your child experience a fever, rest and drink lots of fluids. You may also consider taking an over-the-counter medicine (like Tylenol® or Advil®) to help reduce discomfort.
Seek medical attention right away if there are signs or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, tongue or lips), a seizure occurs, a fever lasts more than 3 days, or if any other alarming signs or symptoms occur (e.g., severe vomiting or diarrhea).
How can I get the HPV vaccine?
- Students in Grades 7-8 can receive the HPV vaccine at their school for free as part of the grade 7 school immunization clinics offered by WDG Public Health.
- Students in Grades 9-12 can receive the HPV vaccine at their school for free as part of the high school immunization clinics offered by WDG Public Health.
- Anyone may also get the HPV vaccine at your local public health unit. Call 519-822-2715 ext. 7006 to book an appointment.
- Anyone may also get the HPV vaccine from your primary care provider (i.e., family doctor, nurse practitioner). Contact their office to book an appointment.
More resources
Getting the HPV vaccine - Ontario.ca
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide - Canada.ca
Human papillomavirus (HPV) - Immunize Canada
Universal Human Papillomavirus Vaccine: Technical Report - Public Health Ontario