HPV immunization for grade 8 girls to begin

Vaccinations to help protect against four types of Human Papilloma virus (HPV), the virus that can lead to cervical cancer, begin for Grade 8 girls across Simcoe Muskoka Sept. 17, when public health nurses from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) deliver the first of the three-shot series in schools.

"We begin immunizing girls in September, and again twice more over a six-month period, as is required by this particular vaccine, which helps protect against cervical cancer as well as genital warts," said Laurie Stanford, the manager for the vaccine preventable disease program at the health unit. "Information about the vaccine and consent forms are being sent home with Grade 8 girls to help parents and their daughters make an informed decision about this vaccine, which is being offered on a voluntary basis."

The vaccine protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for an estimated 70% of cervical cancers, as well as types 6 and 11, which cause 90% of genital warts. In 2007, it is estimated that 1,350 Canadian women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and another 390 will die from the disease.

Important to remember, said Stanford, is that the vaccine does not prevent the spread of all types of HPV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV, chlamydia or gonorrhea. Nor is the vaccine a replacement for a Pap test, which is the only way to detect precancerous cells in the cervix. Education about prevention and protection against HPV and other STIs is key for teens and young adults as they learn to take care of their sexual health.

Consent forms need to be returned to the classroom signed by student and parent prior to the clinic date.

The immunization program follows the recent federal announcement that funding for the program will be provided across the country for three years; and the provincial announcement that the voluntary vaccination program would begin in Grade 8 girls across Ontario this fall. The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and women aged 9 to 26.

Those females not included in the Grade 8 group can be vaccinated by their family physician and at SMDHU immunization and sexual health clinics at a cost of about $400. Some insurance plans may cover the cost.

More information about HPV and the vaccine is available by calling Your Health Connection at 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by checking the health unit website www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.