Protect Your Future, Prevent HPV: Get Informed, Get Vaccinated!
What is HPV?
HPV, or the Human Papillomavirus, is a common virus that is spread through skin to skin contact – Did you know that there are more than 100 types of the HPV virus?
What does HPV cause?
Depending on the type, HPV can cause different kinds of cancer, in addition to causing warts on the genitals, mouth or feet.
In people with biologically female body parts, HPV causes cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancer, while in people with male body parts it can cause anal and penile cancer. It causes:
- 99% of cervical cancers
- 90% of anal cancers
- 35% of penile cancers
- Throat and neck cancers
What can I do to protect myself and loved ones?
There is a very safe and effective vaccine available.
This vaccine will significantly reduce the risk of developing HPV-related cancers.
Who should get vaccinated?
Children and adults between the ages of 9-40.
Is the vaccine safe?
The vaccine has been used since 1997 and the safety of the vaccine is extremely well researched and documented.
Research has shown that the vaccine reduces cervical cancer by 90% and reduces common HPV related neck and throat cancers by 88% AND it has an astonishing 100% decrease in vaccinated males.
HPV Vaccination in Alberta:
Is the vaccine free?
In Alberta the HPV vaccine is publicly available to young adults 26 and under. If you are older than 26, please speak to your health care provider for more information.
How many doses do I need?
You need 2 HPV doses 6 months apart in Alberta if you have a healthy immune system
You need 3 doses if you have a weak immune system or if your first dose is at 15 years or older.
Where can I get vaccinated?
I am between 9-18 years old – where do I get the vaccine?
School aged kids can receive the vaccine through school-based immunization programs
I am an adult – where do I get the vaccine?
- Call 811
- Press 1 for “Immunization”
- Press 2 for “Book Immunization”
- You will be redirected to the immunization line and will be asked for your health card number and some additional information
- Book appointment
If you are above 26, you can get the vaccine at a public health clinic or pharmacy but you may need to request a prescription. Speak to your health care provider or call 811 and dial 1 for “immunization” for more information.
Where can I get more information about HPV?
HPV Vaccine decision tool
AHS has built an interactive vaccine decision tool. Whether you are looking for more information for your child or for yourself, the HPV Vaccine Decision Tool helps answer your questions about HPV to support you to make an informed decision about the HPV Vaccine.
HPV 2-page factsheet:
AHS developed a 2-page fact sheet on HPV, which also highlights side effects, who is most at risk, and vaccine information
Fear of needles?
AHS has developed the ‘Commitment to Comfort’ resource for patients to help promote comfort with vaccination and reduce the distress experienced during immunization.
Additional Printable HPV Resources
Praxus Health is running a province-wide campaign to raise awareness about the HPV vaccine, who should get vaccinated, why and where.
It also helps patients and providers connect to important resources! To download a short (2-page) summary, please click on the links below:
- HPV Immunization – Information for Providers (Link Coming Soon)
- HPV Awareness Campaign – Information for Patients (Link Coming Soon)
