In the near future, nurses from Vancouver Island will be visiting schools to administer a vaccination to students in the 11th and 12th grades. This vaccination is intended to protect against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that can lead to various types of cancers including cervical, anal, oral and throat, penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancers, as well as genital warts.
According to Dr. Christina Kay, a medical health officer, the nurses have been routinely visiting grade 6 students to administer the HPV vaccination. Now, they are extending this offer to older students who may have missed the opportunity in the past. Dr. Kay further emphasized that the HPV vaccine is extremely effective, nearly 100% when administered at a young age, against most common types of HPV that potentially lead to cervical cancer and other health complications.
Generally, the HPV vaccine is administered when students are in grade 6. However, looking at the data from Island Health in 2023, the percentage of immunized 6th graders was 55% on average (47% in the North Island, 53.9% in Central Vancouver Island, and 65% in South Vancouver Island).
The Canadian Cancer Society warns that about 75% of sexually active individuals who have not received the HPV vaccination will contract an HPV infection at some point in their life. Though most infections are self-resolving, some may persist and develop into cancer over time.
The safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine have been proven by more than 200 million doses administered worldwide over the past 15 years, as stated by Dr. Kay.
Parents, caregivers, and students will receive notifications from Island Health via their schools in the months of January and February regarding the upcoming immunization clinics. Island Health recommends two doses of the vaccine for those aged between nine and 14, and three doses for those aged 15 and above. The HPV vaccine is also recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), and is available for purchase at pharmacies and travel clinics for those who are aged between 19 and 45, and males aged 19 and above who have sex with men.
