HPV Vaccination Information

infections are responsible for:

• cervical cancer
• cancers of the:
  • mouth and oropharynx
  • anus
  • vagina
  • vulva
  • penis
• anogenital warts (AGW)

Some types of HPV can be prevented by vaccination.

Get the vaccine! 

For maximum protection, people should get the vaccine before becoming sexually active and, ideally, around age 11 or 12 (grade 7).

Ontario students in grade 7 can get the vaccine for free.

If you'd like to get the HPV vaccine – and you're under 26 – speak to a primary health care provider or call the Health Unit toll-free at 1-800-563-2808 ext. 5377. The vaccine can be purchased privately with a prescription and may be covered through private insurance.

You shouldn't get an HPV vaccine if you've had a life-threatening allergic reaction (also known as anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the HPV vaccine.

The Health Unit routinely sends letters to students/parents/guardians about vaccine clinics at schools throughout the year. These clinics focus on the mandatory vaccines under the Immunization of School Pupils Act. The HPV vaccine is not mandatory and is not required for school attendance, but is still offered to all students as an highly recommended optional vaccine. 

The vaccine is usually given in 2 injections, at least 6 months apart. Some people – for example older students and people with weakened immune systems – may get 3 injections over 6 months. You need all doses to get full protection. Speak to a public health nurse, or your primary care provider to confirm the number of doses you would need. 

There are many different types of HPV and most people with HPV don't develop any signs or symptoms. You can also develop symptoms years after you've been infected.

HPV is dangerous because it can cause life-threatening diseases. Some types of HPV can cause:

• genital warts
• cervical, penile, head or neck cancer
• other cancers