FAQ

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HPV vaccine

I am temporarily in another province. Can I get the HPV vaccine for free?

There is an agreement across Canada to provide immunization services to any out-of-province visitor according to that province’s immunization schedule. That means if you are eligible for the HPV vaccine in the province you are in, you would be able to get it for free. You can check with the local public health unit about eligibility.

For information about the HPV vaccine and BC’s HPV vaccine program, visit our HPV page.

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I got the HPV4 vaccine. Can I get the HPV9 vaccine? I hear it covers more strains.

You’re right - the HPV9 vaccine covers 5 more strains than the HPV4 vaccine covered. Both the HPV4 and HPV9 vaccines protect against the 2 strains of HPV (16 & 18) that cause about 70% of cervical cancers and 80% of cases of anal cancer. Both vaccines also protect against the 2 strains that cause about 90% of genital warts (6 & 11). The HPV9 vaccine protects against 5 additional strains (31, 33, 45, 52 & 58) that cause 15% to 20% of cervical cancers and 11% of anal cancers in females and 4% in males.

If you’ve had the HPV4 vaccine, you can get the HPV9 vaccine to be protected against these additional strains. Most people who have had an HPV4 series will have to purchase the HPV9 vaccine. The vaccine can be purchased at most pharmacies or travel clinics. Some health plans cover the cost of the vaccine; check with your provider. A complete HPV9 vaccine series (3 doses for those 15 and older) is recommended to ensure protection against the 5 additional types. You should wait at least 6 months after completing the HPV4 series to get the HPV9 vaccine.

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Do I need cervical screening if I've been vaccinated for HPV?

It is important for people who have a cervix to follow current BC cervical screening guidelines because the HPV vaccine protects against most but not all types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.

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Is the HPV vaccine free for males who have sex with males?

The HPV9 vaccine is recommended and free for males 9 to 26 years of age who have sex with males, including those who may not yet be sexually active and are questioning their sexual orientation. The vaccine is recommended but not free for males 27 years of age and older who have sex with males.

People who aren’t eligible for the free HPV vaccine can buy it at most pharmacies, travel clinics, and some sexual health clinics. Some health insurance plans cover the cost of the vaccine; check with your insurance provider to find out if your plan does.

For more information on the HPV vaccine, including who the vaccine is recommended for and who it is free for, visit our HPV vaccine page.

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Should I get the HPV vaccine if I'm already sexually active?

It is best to get immunized before becoming sexually active and coming in contact with HPV because the vaccines prevent infection but do not clear it. However, a person can still benefit from immunization if they are already sexually active. This is because the likelihood they have been exposed to all types of HPV contained in the vaccine is low.

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Why are HPV vaccines given at such a young age?

HPV vaccines are routinely given in Grade 6 for two reasons:

1. Preteens make more antibodies after getting the vaccine than older teens or adults. This provides long-lasting protection against HPV.

2. The vaccine is best given before sexual activity begins (and before any exposure to HPV). Most people who become infected with HPV first catch it within 2 to 5 years of becoming sexually active, so it is important to vaccinate them before they begin sexual activity.

Anyone who engages in any kind of sexual activity involving oral or genital contact can get HPV. Sexual intercourse is not necessary to get infected.

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Do HPV vaccines promote earlier sexual activity?

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 BC, 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.

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Are HPV vaccines safe?

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 approval, hundreds of millions of doses of HPV vaccines have been given worldwide. Vaccine safety monitoring has continued to show that the HPV vaccine is safe.

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.

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Can the HPV vaccine can cause infertility?

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

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Where can I get the HPV vaccine? I am not eligible for the free one.

Anyone not eligible for a free HPV vaccine can buy it at most pharmacies and travel clinics. Options for Sexual Health clinics also provide the HPV vaccine in some communities. Find an Options for Sexual Health clinic near you.

You do not need a prescription to buy the vaccine; however, some insurance health plans may cover the cost of the vaccine and may require a prescription for reimbursement. Please check with your insurance provider.

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FAQ

HPV vaccine