As part of National Immunization Awareness Week (April 26 to May 2, 2026), an Island Health Medical Health Officer is encouraging people to learn the facts about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine — one of the most effective ways to prevent several types of cancer and other HPV-related diseases.
“HPV vaccine has been available for almost 20 years, and more than 200 million doses have been given worldwide,” says Medical Health Officer Dr. Christina Kay. “The initial studies were overwhelmingly positive, and long-term monitoring has confirmed the safety and effectiveness of this vaccine. This vaccine prevents cancer in both men and women and saves lives.”
HPV immunization coverage in the Island Health region has increased over the last two years, with 85 per cent of grade 11 and 12 students having been immunized. The goal is to reach B.C.’s target of 90 per cent immunized, and to eliminate cervical cancer completely.
The vaccine, which is routinely offered in grade 6, is most effective when given at a younger age and before exposure to the virus. The vaccine is still recommended and offers excellent protection for older teens and young adults and is approved in Canada to age 45,
In B.C., the vaccine is now available for free for:
- Individuals nine to 26 years of age (inclusive)
- Men 27 to 45 years of age (inclusive) who identify as gay or bisexual or who have sex with men (GBMSM) (including those who are not yet sexually active and/or questioning their sexual orientation)
- Individuals 27 to 45 years of age (inclusive) who are Two-Spirit, transgender and/or non-binary regardless of sexual orientation or sex assigned at birth
- Individuals nine to 45 years of age (inclusive) living with HIV
- Individuals who receive post-colposcopy treatment for cervical dysplasia on or after July 31, 2025
What is HPV?
HPV is a virus passed from person to person through skin to skin contact, often through sexual activity. Some types cause warts, while others can lead to cancer.
What are the chances of getting HPV?
HPV is very common, according to the Canadian Cancer Society, about 75 per cent of sexually active people who are not vaccinated will get an HPV infection at some point in their lives. Anyone who has any kind of oral, genital or anal sexual contact can get HPV. Sexual intercourse is not necessary to get infected.
What happens when you are infected with HPV?
Most people infected with HPV do not show any signs or symptoms and can pass the virus on to others without knowing it. Most often an HPV infection will clear on its own. For some people, HPV infection can lead to life-threatening cancer.
Every year in B.C. approximately:
- 230 people will get cervical cancer and 55 will die from the disease
- 6,000 people will develop high risk changes to the cervix which are precancerous
- 140 people will get anal cancer and 25 will die from the disease
- 5,500 people will develop genital warts
What are the side effects of the HPV vaccine?
Common reactions may include soreness, redness and swelling where the vaccine was given. Headache, fever, nausea, dizziness, tiredness, diarrhea and muscle soreness may also occur.
More information
- Visit BC Cancer’s website to learn more about HPV immunization, cancer prevention and screening.
- You can also visit HealthLinkBC’s website.