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Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection in the world today. There are more than 100 different kinds of HPV, and it can infect many parts of the body.
HPV types are either low-risk or high-risk:
• Low-risk HPV can cause infections such as genital warts, or show no symptoms at all.
• High-risk HPV can cause cancer in the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, scrotum, anus, head, and neck.
Who can get HPV?
Anyone who has ever had a sexual encounter can get HPV. Even if you only had sex once with one partner, you are still at risk of contracting HPV. It is not necessary to have intercourse to get HPV. The most common way to spread HPV is through skin-to-skin contact during any sexual activity with the penis, scrotum, vagina, vulva, or anus. You can also get HPV by kissing or using your mouth on someone’s genitals or anus, or sharing sex toys.
Who is at risk?
Men and women of all ages are at risk of HPV. In fact, 75 per cent of all Canadians will get HPV at some point in their lives. However, HPV occurs most often in teenagers and young adults. The highest rates of HPV in Canada are among men and women between the ages 15-24.
In Canada, up to one million people of all ages develop a sexually transmitted infection (STI) every year. First Nations, Inuit and Métis women are more likely than non-Aboriginal women of the same age to become infected with an STI.
HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine was approved for use in Canada in July 2006. A detailed statement by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), in February 2007, recommended the HPV vaccine for females between nine and thirteen years of age, before they become sexually active. Females between 14 and 26 years of age would also benefit from the vaccine.
Current clinical scientific evidence suggests that the HPV vaccine is safe with very few side effects.
Important facts to remember:
• The HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV.
• The HPV vaccine is not a cure, and cannot treat people already infected with HPV.
• The HPV vaccine is not a substitute for cervical cancer screening. Even if vaccinated, women should receive regular Pap tests to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
How can I get the HPV vaccine?
Health coverage for medications and vaccines varies in each province and territory. For more information, check with your provincial/territorial public health department or your local health centre.
For more information on the Human Papilloma Virus please visit the links below:
Public Health Agency of Canada - Facts About HPV
Public Health Agency of Canada - Facts About the HPV Vaccine
Ottawa, ON K1P 5Z9