Frequently asked questions about HPV vaccines

HPV vaccines prevent cancer caused by HPV infection. HPV is a very common infection. While most HPV infections will go away on their own, some will not and can become cancerous over time. HPV infection can cause:

• Cancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva in women
• Cancers of the penis in men
• Cancers of the anus and mouth and throat in both women and men

HPV infection can also cause genital warts. There are many different types of HPV. The types that cause genital warts are not the same as the types that cause cancer.

In women who have never been infected with HPV, the vaccines prevent almost 100% of cases of cervical cancer caused by the HPV types covered by the vaccine. The HPV9 vaccine prevents about 78% of cases of anal cancers in men caused by the two main types of HPV. The vaccine also prevents about 90% to 100% of cases of genital warts in men and women that are caused by two other types of HPV.

A recent 2019 study showed that B.C.'s school-based HPV immunization program has significantly reduced the rates of cervical pre-cancer in women. The study found that B.C. women who had received the HPV vaccine as Grade 6 girls had a 57% reduction in the incidence of cervical pre-cancer cells compared to unvaccinated women. 

The HPV vaccines are given as either two or three doses over a 6-month period. Children who start a series when they are 9 to 14 years of age need two doses given at least 6 months apart. People who start a series when 15 years of age and older and those with a weakened immune system need three doses.

HPV vaccines are given in Grade 6 for two reasons:

1. Research shows that preteens have a better immune response to the vaccine than older teens. This means they will be better protected if they are exposed to HPV in the future.

There is no evidence that being vaccinated against HPV encourages earlier sexual activity.  What’s more, a study published in October 2018 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal showed that since the implementation of the school-based HPV vaccination program in B.C., sexual risk behaviours reported by adolescent girls have either reduced or stayed the same. These findings contribute evidence against any association between HPV vaccination and risky sexual behaviours.

The HPV vaccine works best when people are vaccinated before they become sexually active. However, a person should still get the vaccine even if they are already sexually active. This is because they are unlikely to have been exposed to all of the types of HPV contained in the vaccine. The HPV vaccines do not treat HPV infections.

Yes. HPV vaccines are safe. Vaccines are approved for use in Canada only if they meet very strict standards for safety and effectiveness. The HPV vaccine was well studied in clinical trials and was not approved for use in Canada until the studies showed that it was safe and effective. Since vaccine licensure, hundreds of millions of doses of HPV vaccines have been distributed worldwide. Vaccine safety monitoring has continued to show that the HPV vaccine is safe. Learn more about vaccine safety here.

Common reactions to the HPV vaccine are similar to reactions from other vaccines and include redness, swelling, and soreness in the arm where the vaccine was given. Fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle or joint ache may also occur. As with other vaccines, fainting has occurred following HPV vaccination. Fainting can occur with any medical procedure - not just the HPV vaccine—and people recover quickly.

Serious side effects to all vaccines, including HPV vaccines, are extremely rare. In most cases, when serious side effects are reported, there is not enough information to determine whether the serious side effect was actually caused by the vaccine. It is important to understand the difference between a side effect that is caused by a vaccine and an unrelated event that happens to follow the receipt of a vaccine.

The benefits of getting the HPV vaccine greatly outweigh the very small risks. 

Extensive research has shown no evidence that the HPV vaccine can cause infertility. In fact, HPV cancers (that the vaccine protects against) can lead to issues with fertility. 

Yes. It is important for women to get regular Pap tests because the HPV vaccine protects against most but not all types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.

The HPV vaccines are not recommended for use in pregnancy because the safety of the vaccines in pregnancy is unknown. However, if a pregnant woman happens to receive the HPV vaccine, it is important to note that the vaccine has not been shown to cause any harm to the baby. The HPV vaccine may be administered to breastfeeding women.

You can find a list of people eligible for a free HPV vaccine here. Those not eligible for the free vaccine can purchase the vaccine at most pharmacies and travel clinics. Some private health insurance plans cover the cost of the vaccine.