It is estimated that 75% of sexually active Canadians will have a HPV infection in their lifetime. Even for those already infected with one or more vaccine HPV type(s), the vaccine will provide protection against the other HPV type(s) contained in the vaccine.¹

The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective form of cancer prevention. It prevents more than just cervical cancer and can prevent clients from undergoing uncomfortable testing and treatment for cervical precancers.

Primary care professionals can increase the immunization rates of the school immunization program (HPV, Hepatitis B and Meningococcal), in particular HPV by discussing their importance and effectiveness with parents and school aged children, especially during the 4-6 year-old immunization visit.  Students who did not receive the vaccines in Grade 7 may be eligible for the catchup program through the health unit.

Why Immunize?

HPV causes all cases of cervical cancers, 80-90% of anal cancers, 40-50% of penile cancers, 40% of vaginal and vulvar cancers, 25-35% of oropharyngeal and oral cavity cancers.²

In Canada, immunization against the various types of HPV infection can prevent approximately 70% of cervical cancers and 60% of high-risk precancerous cervical lesions and approximately 90% of genital warts.³

 The incidence of HPV 16/18 infections in 9 high-income countries including Canada decreased by 64% after HPV vaccination program initiation in girls younger than 20 years.⁴  

Local Coverage Rates

In the 2017/18 school year, 68.3% of Grade 7 students were fully immunized (covered)* for HPV across Simcoe Muskoka.

In Simcoe County, 69% of students were fully immunized, whereas in Muskoka, only 58% of students were fully immunized against HPV (Figure 1).

• Ontario Cancer Facts: Many cancers caused by infections in Ontario are preventable
• Cervical Cancer Prevention & Screening Pathway Map
• Canadian Immunization Guide: Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
• Immunize Canada: Counselling the public

1. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-9-human-papillomavirus-vaccine.html
2. http://www.cancer.ca/en/about-us/for-media/media-releases/national/2016/canadian-cancer-statistics-2016/?region=on#ixzz5QnslKe28n
3. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-9-human-papillomavirus-vaccine.html
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0090825817307746