A program to immunize Grade 6 girls against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is being launched during the Fall of 2007 in Island elementary schools, Minister of Health Doug Currie confirmed today.
“HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, so we’re very pleased to offer this program on Prince Edward Island with the aid of the funding received from the federal government,“ says Minister Currie. “The HPV vaccine will be provided by public health nurses to Grade 6 girls in all Island schools.“
The vaccine, which is free for all Grade 6 girls, will be offered on a voluntary basis and requires parental consent.
HPV is transmitted through sexual activity and is the cause of almost all cases of cancer of the cervix. This virus also causes genital warts and changes in the cells of the cervix which are seen when a Pap test is done.
The maximum benefit from this vaccine can be achieved by providing it to girls before they become sexually active. The vaccine protects against HPV types that cause about 70 percent of cervical cancer. It is licensed and recommended for females aged nine to 26 years of age in Canada and requires a series of three injections over a six month period.
“Canada’s new government is committed to advancing responsible and scientifically sound measures that protect the health of Canadian women,” said federal Health Minister Tony Clement. “That is why we included the $300M HPV vaccine program in Budget 2007, and I commend PEI for moving so quickly to make the vaccine available. This preventative measure is an important investment in the future health and well being of Canadian women.”
“Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Canadian women aged 20-44 years,“ said Dr. Lamont Sweet, Chief Health Officer. “The HPV program is being offered here because we want to provide Island women at a young age with the best chance for preventing cervical cancer. “
Nova Scotia, Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador have also announced plans to offer HPV vaccine school-based programs this fall.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ~ Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
What is HPV?
HPV is a group of viruses associated with skin and mucous membrane infection. It causes infection of the human genital tract and is spread by sexual activity.
How common is HPV?
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in Canada. It is estimated that 75 percent of Canadians will have at least one HPV infection over their lifetime. Most HPV infections go away on their own but some create a risk for cervical cancer.
What diseases are caused by HPV?
There are over 100 types of HPV and some can lead to various health problems such as genital warts, cervical cancer and cancer of the vulva, anus and penis. HPV is linked to almost all cases of cervical cancer, which kills about 290,000 women worldwide each year, including 400 in Canada. While most HPV infections go away by themselves, those that persist are more likely to develop into cancer.
How is HPV detected?
The most common method is a Pap screening test which can detect early stages of cervical cell changes that may lead to cancer.
Who is at risk of getting HPV?
Anyone who has sexual intercourse.
How can HPV be prevented?
A vaccine called Gardasil has been developed to prevent HPV and was licensed for use in Canada in 2006. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization has recommended the vaccine for females aged 9-26 years and it has been approved by Health Canada. The maximum benefit from this vaccine can be achieved by providing it to females before they become sexually active. It has been shown to provide immunity against 70 percent of cervical cancer cases and 90 percent of genital warts.
How will this new HPV program work in PEI?
The program will be launched in the 2007-2008 school year and will immunize Grade 6 girls against HPV. The vaccine will be provided free of charge by public health nurses to Grade 6 girls in all Island schools. Students and parents will receive information from the school nurse about the vaccine and the clinic dates.
Is this vaccine mandatory?
No, it is voluntary and requires the consent of a parent or guardian. Any parent may choose not to vaccinate their daughter against HPV.
Will this vaccine encourage sexual activity?
The maximum benefit from this vaccine can be achieved by providing the vaccine to girls before they become sexually active. There is no published evidence to support the concern that vaccination against HPV may result in riskier sexual behavior among adolescents. In clinical trials with Gardasil, participants were shown to maintain safe practices once educated about the risks of HPV. Additional market research has also shown that education about the diseases caused by HPV and vaccination against HPV leads to unchanged or, in some cases, more protective behavior.
Will the vaccine be offered to boys?
The vaccine is not approved in Canada for males at this time. Research is ongoing and national recommendations may change.
How can other females in the recommended age range get the vaccine?
Family physicians can advise females aged 9 -26 years how to get the vaccine. Those interested may also contact the two foreign travel clinics in Charlottetown to inquire about the vaccine. There will be a charge for the vaccine.
Should women continue to get Pap tests?
Yes, females who receive the HPV vaccine will still need to have regular Pap tests.
The vaccine is preventative and protects against HPV strains responsible for approximately 70 percent of cervical cancers, but if a female has been sexually active before receiving the vaccine she may have already been infected with one or more strains of HPV. It is important that women continue to participate in recommended cervical cancer screening programs.