• HPV (human papillomavirus) is a sexually transmitted infection that causes genital warts and can lead to 6 types of cancer including cervical mouth & throat, and anal cancer.
• It is estimated that 75% of sexually active Canadians will have at least one HPV infection during their lifetime.
• Most individuals don’t show any signs or symptoms and can pass the virus on to others through skin to skin contact without even knowing it.

• The HPV vaccine helps prevent certain cancers and selected diseases caused by 9 viral types.
• The vaccine is indicated for individuals ages 9 through 45 years.
• Boys and girls who missed the vaccine in grade 9 can still get their vaccine from the pharmacy depending on your province.
• HPV vaccines may be publicly funded by your province, under certain criteria. Visit your pharmacist, local health authority or visit www.gardasil9.ca for details.

The HPV vaccine, GARDASIL®9, is administered intramuscularly. If you are 15 years and over, you receive the vaccine in 3 doses:

• First dose: at elected date
• Second dose: administered 2 months after the first dose
• Third dose: administered 6 months after the first dose

All three doses should be given in a 1-year period. Individuals are encouraged to adhere to the 0-, 2- and 6-months vaccination schedule.

In individuals 9 through 14 years of age, GARDASIL®9 can be administered according to a 2-dose schedule:

• First dose: at elected date
• Second dose: administered between 5 and 13 months after the first dose

If the second vaccine dose is administered earlier than 5 months after the first dose, a third dose should always be administered. If you’re interested in getting vaccinated with the HPV vaccine and have questions about the vaccine, speak with your family doctor or pharmacist.