CONSENT FOR SCHOOL IMMUNIZATIONS
Meningococcal C-ACYW-135, Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus
PREVENT CANCERS
There are different types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Many people do not know they are infected and never develop symptoms. HPV infections can cause many cancers of the mouth, head and neck, cervix and genitals, and genital warts.
How can I protect myself from HPV?
- Get the vaccine. For optimal effectiveness, the series should start prior to exposure.
- Practice sexual abstinence, which means not participating in any sexual activity with another person (i.e. avoiding all types of intimate genital contact).
- If you are considering being sexually active, there are ways to protect yourself against HPV. Talk to your parents, health care provider or go to www.smdhu.org for more information.
What are the benefits of getting the HPV vaccine in Grade 7?
- Research has shown that the HPV vaccine can prevent most cases of cervical cancer if all doses are given before a person becomes sexually active. People can get HPV from having sexual contact of any kind with another person.
HPV is common and 8 out of 10 people will get HPV at least once in their lifetime. Someone can have HPV for many years and not know it.
- Individuals who start the vaccine series between the ages of 9 and 14, only require a two-dose series. The HPV vaccine becomes a three-dose series if you initiate vaccination on or after their 15th birthday.
- HPV vaccine is free until the end of Grade 12.
PREVENT MENINGITIS
Meningococcal disease is very rare, but it can become life threatening quickly. It is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in teens and young adults. It can cause strokes, hearing loss, seizures, brain damage,
or blood infections. This vaccine or a valid exemption is needed for school attendance. It may also be needed for travel or post-secondary education.
How is meningitis contracted and how do I protect myself?
- Through close, direct contact (coughing or sharing things like food, drinks, kissing and musical instruments).
- People can carry the bacteria in their nose and throat without feeling sick. People become sick when the bacteria gets into their blood and body fluids. This can lead to brain damage and sometimes death within just a few hours.
- Get the vaccine.
- Do not share food, drinks, or utensils.
What is the benefit of getting the Meningococcal vaccine in Grade 7?
- You have likely already received a meningococcal vaccine (e.g. Menjugate®) for infants that protects against one type of the bacteria.
- The grade 7 Meningococcal vaccine protects against four types of the bacteria, which protects 80% to 85% of teens against this disease.
PREVENT LIVER CANCER
The hepatitis B (HB) virus can cause inflammation of the liver, which can damage it. It can also cause cancer. Some people have no symptoms of infection and others get very sick. It can spread from improper cleaning of spa, tattoo,
medical and dental equipment. This vaccine may be needed before travel and for some careers (e.g. health care).
How can I protect myself from the Hepatitis B virus?
- Get the vaccine.
- Practice sexual abstinence, which means not participating in any sexual activity with another person (i.e. avoiding all types of intimate genital contact).
- If you are considering being sexually active, there are ways to protect yourself against HB. Talk to your parents, health care provider or go to www.smdhu.org for more information.
- Make sure sterile tools are used for tattooing or body piercing.
- Do not share razors, toothbrushes, or other personal care items.
What are the benefits of getting the Hepatitis B vaccine in Grade 7?
- If all doses are received, the vaccine protects more than 95% against HB. The protection lasts at least 15 years or more for most people.
- If a student starts this two-dose series but does not receive the second dose before their 16th birthday, they must complete a three-dose series.
- HB vaccine is free until the end of Grade 12.
"The Health Unit collects personal information in the course of doing business. Personal information about you is collected directly from you or from the person acting on your behalf.
Personal health information collected may include, for example, your name, date of birth, address, contact information, health card number, health history, and information you provide during visits or calls to
the health unit."