HPV is common.
And, it can cause cancer.
Most people will get HPV at some point in their lives, often without knowing it. Some types of HPV can lead to cancer later on.
Learn what HPV is, how it spreads, and ways you can help protect yourself.
HPV, what's that?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus spread through skin-to-skin contact. Most HPV infections go away on their own, but certain types can cause genital warts or lead to cancer later in life.
HPV can cause cancer
Research shows HPV is responsible for cancers, including:
Getting vaccinated can prevent nearly 100% of cancer causing HPV infections.
HPV is common. Really common.
HPV can affect anyone.
Any gender. Any sexual orientation.
HPV can affect anyone • Get protected
HPV can affect anyone • Get protected
HPV can affect anyone • Get protected
HPV can affect anyone • Get protected
HPV can affect anyone • Get protected
HPV can affect anyone • Get protected
The best way to protect yourself from HPV is to get vaccinated.
The HPV vaccine can prevent nearly 100% of HPV infections.
In B.C., many people receive the HPV vaccine through a school-based program in Grade 6.
If you missed it, you can still get it. Contact your local public health unit, pharmacy, or primary care provider to learn more about getting vaccinated.
If you’re 9 to 26 years old in B.C., the HPV vaccine is available at no cost.
If you’re over age 26, the HPV vaccine may still be available at no cost. Visit our FAQ to learn more.
Who should get vaccinated?
- Anyone between the ages of 9 to 45
- People of all genders, including those who are transgender, cisgender, Two-Spirit, non-binary, and other gender-diverse identities
- People who are sexually active now, have been in the past, or may be in the future
- People of all sexual orientations and any relationship status
- People living with conditions that affect the immune system
HPV vaccine access and eligibility vary across Canada. Talk to a healthcare provider to learn about the options available in your area and what may be right for you based on your individual health needs.
Get the facts.
Learn more about HPV, understand the risks, and explore available options for protection and support.
General HPV Information
What is HPV?
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. It is spread through skin-to-skin sexual contact.
There are many strains of the HPV virus and some types can lead to cancer or genital warts.
Why is HPV a concern?
Most sexually active people will get HPV at some point, often without symptoms. This means it can be passed between partners without anyone knowing.
Some HPV types cause warts. Other HPV types can cause cancer.
In people with biologically female body parts, HPV can cause cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers.
In people with biologically male body parts, HPV can cause anal and penile cancers.
HPV can also cause head and neck cancers in anyone.
Is there a cure for an HPV infection?
There is no cure for HPV. Most infections will clear on their own and you won’t even realize you have it.
But, when your body can’t clear an HPV infection, the risk for genital warts and certain types of cancer increases.
Sometimes persistent HPV infection can occur, leading to serious health problems, such as genital warts or cancer.
Do condoms protect against HPV?
Condoms and dental dams can help lower the risk of HPV, but they don’t fully prevent it.
HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact, including areas not covered by protection.
HPV Vaccine
Is the HPV vaccine free?
In B.C., the HPV vaccine is available at no cost for anyone aged 9 to 26.
The vaccine is offered through school-based immunization programs in Grade 6.
If you missed it at school, you can still get vaccinated.
The vaccine is also offered at no cost for people:
27 to 45 years of age who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) community – including those who are not yet sexually active and/or questioning their sexual orientation.
27 to 45 years of age living with HIV
People who were treated for abnormal changes to the cervix after a colposcopy on or after July 31, 2025
Where can I get vaccinated?
Children and youth (9 to 17 years)
Students in B.C. are offered the HPV vaccine through school-based immunization programs in Grade 6.
If you missed the vaccine at school, you can still receive it.
Adults (18 to 26 years)
Adults can receive the HPV vaccine through a public health clinic or pharmacy.
To find a clinic or get help booking an appointment, call HealthLink BC at 811 or speak with a healthcare provider.
Adults over 26
If you are over 26, you can still receive the HPV vaccine through public health clinics, pharmacies, or a healthcare provider, though it may not be publicly funded.
Call 811 or speak with a healthcare provider to learn about your options.
How many doses do I need?
The number of HPV vaccine doses depends on your age:
- 1 dose for ages 9 to 20 years
- 2 doses for ages 21 to 45 years
You may need a different number of doses if you are immunocompromised.
A healthcare provider can recommend the best schedule based on your individual health needs.
Is the vaccine safe?
The HPV vaccine has been used around the world for many years and is backed by decades of research. Its safety has been closely monitored in Canada for over 15 years, with strong evidence showing that HPV vaccines are safe and well tolerated.
Can I get the vaccine if I’m sexually active?
Yes. Even if you’ve already had sex, the HPV vaccine can still protect you from HPV types you haven’t been exposed to yet.
Many people get the vaccine after becoming sexually active and still benefit from it.
Can I get the vaccine if I currently have an HPV infection?
Yes. The HPV vaccine won’t cure an existing HPV infection, but it can protect you from other types of HPV and help prevent future infections.
Can I get the vaccine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
HPV infection during pregnancy may increase the risk of certain pregnancy complications.
The HPV vaccine can be given during pregnancy, with research showing no increased risk to the pregnancy or baby.
There’s limited research on HPV vaccination while breastfeeding, but no safety concerns have been reported.
HPV Cancer Screening
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is cancer that develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. Most cervical cancers are caused by HPV.
Before cancer develops, HPV can cause changes in the cells of the cervix. These cells may become abnormal. These early changes are called pre-cancer, which means they are not cancer yet but could turn into cancer over time.
The good news is that these early changes can usually be treated if they are found early. That’s why regular cervical screening is important. Screening can detect these changes before they develop into cancer.
Who needs to be screened for cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer screening is recommended if you are 25 years and older, have had at least one sexual partner, and if you have a cervix – regardless of your gender or sexual orientation.
Where can I get screened for cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer screening is available through healthcare providers, including family doctors and nurse practitioners, cervical cancer screening programs, women’s health clinics, and public health units.
Cervical cancer screening guidelines vary across Canada. Check your provincial or territorial program for details.
I have been in a monogamous relationship for years, do I still need to get cervical cancer screening?
Yes. Even if you’ve had one sexual partner, you could still be exposed to HPV.
Cervical cancer develops slowly over time. Screening helps find early changes before they turn into cancer.
Do I still need cervical cancer screening if I have had the HPV vaccine?
Yes. The HPV vaccine does not replace cervical cancer screening. It protects against several high-risk types of HPV, but not all of them.
What cervical cancer screening tests are available and how do they work?
The following cervical cancer screening tests are available in Canada. Talk to a healthcare provider to learn more.
Pap Smear Test: Tests for abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. A healthcare provider collects a small sample of cells from the cervix during a pelvic exam. These cells are then sent to a lab to be looked at under a microscope.
HPV Primary Test: Tests for the presence of HPV in cervical cells. The sample can be collected by a healthcare provider during a pelvic exam, similar to a pap smear test.
HPV Self-Sampling Test: This is the same test as the HPV Primary Test, however, it allows you to take your own sample using a self-swab.
Are there standard screening tests for HPV-related cancers, like anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar and head and neck?
There are no organized, standard screening tests for the other types of HPV-related cancers.
The best way to protect yourself is by getting the HPV vaccine, monitoring for symptoms, and getting regular medical check-ups.
It is also important to attend regular dental exams, as your dentist routinely screens for head and neck cancers. You can also learn how to do self-exams here.