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GARDASIL®9
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3 steps to get
GARDASIL®9
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3 steps to get<br> GARDASIL<sup>®</sup>9
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Hero Section

GARDASIL®9 FOR STUDENTS

HPV does not discriminate. It can cause genital warts – not to mention HPV-related cancers.

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If you’re aged 18–45, GET VACCINATED to help protect yourself.

HPV infection in young adults

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of HPV infection. Both men and women can contract HPV from having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who is infected – even from skin-to-skin sexual activity without penetration. People who have an HPV infection can spread the virus without knowing it because they may not have any visible symptoms or know they are infected.

75% of sexually active Canadians #2


FACT:
An estimated 75% of sexually active Canadians will have at least one HPV infection in their lifetime.

Certain HPV types can lead to #2


FACT:
Certain HPV types can lead to genital warts and HPV-related cancers in men and women.

every 15 minutes


FACT:
It is estimated that every 15 minutes, one Canadian develops genital warts.

Condoms may not be enough


FACT:
Condoms may not be enough to protect you against HPV – they only protect the area they cover.

Vaccination can still help protect you


FACT:
Even if you may have been infected with one type of HPV, vaccination can still help protect you from other types of the virus contained in the vaccine.

Being in a monogamous relationship


FACT:
Being in a monogamous relationship does NOT protect you from HPV infections.

oropharyngeal cancer was the most common HPV-related cancer


FACT:
In 2012, oropharyngeal cancer was the most common HPV-related cancer in Canada (1,335 cases of oropharyngeal cancer, followed by 1,300 cases of cervical cancer and 475 cases of anal cancer).

In 2020


FACT:
In 2020, it was estimated that the rate of oropharyngeal cancer was ~4x higher in males than females.

HPV infection can lead to several HPV-related cancers and diseases
in men and women, for example:

Genital warts

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(WARNING: Graphic content)

Genital warts

Small, cauliflower-like growths that may itch or burn. They can be raised or flat, small or large, and grow alone or in clusters.

Photograph courtesy of Dr. Alex Ferenczy
Head & neck cancer

View image
(WARNING: Graphic content)

Head & neck cancer

Symptoms can include a lump or sore in the head and neck area that does not heal, a sore throat that doesn’t go away, white or red patches in the mouth, difficulty swallowing or a change in the voice.

Photograph courtesy of Dr. Anthony Zeitouni
Anal cancer

View image
(WARNING: Graphic content)

Anal cancer

Symptoms can include anal bleeding, difficulty passing stools, pain, lumps, itching or discharge.

Photograph courtesy of Dr. Alex Ferenczy
Cervical cancer

View image
(WARNING: Graphic content)

Cervical cancer

Symptoms can include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain during intercourse, increased vaginal discharge, pain in the pelvic area or lower back, weight loss, lack of energy and shortness of breath.

Photograph courtesy of Dr. Michel Roy

How to help reduce your risk

How to help reduce your risk

HPV vaccination is one of the top ways to help protect yourself against certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.

You can also help reduce your risk of HPV infection by:

Limiting your number of sexual partners

Limiting your number of sexual partners

Using a condom correctly and consistently

Using a condom correctly and consistently

Not smoking

Not smoking

Ask if GARDASIL®9 is right for you at your campus clinic or a pharmacy near you.

The vaccine may be covered by your school or your parents’ or caregivers’ private insurance plan.

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You can also begin the process by connecting with a virtual healthcare provider.

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You may have private health insurance through work or school that covers vaccination with GARDASIL®9.
Learn more

Frequently asked questions

What age groups can receive the GARDASIL®9 vaccine?

GARDASIL®9 can be administered in individuals ages 9 to 45, to help protect against infection caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 and certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.

For more information about GARDASIL®9, talk to your healthcare professional.

Can I protect myself against HPV by using a condom?

Using a condom is not a guarantee for complete protection against HPV, because it only protects the area it covers. HPV can still be contracted through skin-to-skin contact beyond the area the condom is covering. Using condoms may reduce your chances of getting HPV, but it is highly contagious, and condoms do not provide full protection. You can get infected just by skin-to-skin or oral contact with the genital area, and without having intercourse. That said, using a condom is a great way to reduce your risk of HPV infection, not to mention an excellent way to protect against other sexually transmitted infections.

Being in a monogamous relationship does not protect you from HPV infection either. All it takes is 1 infected partner for you to be infected. You can spread the virus without knowing you are infected because you may not have any visible symptoms.

For more information about GARDASIL®9, talk to your healthcare professional.

If I’m already sexually active, can I still get vaccinated?

Yes, you can, but only your healthcare professional can tell you if GARDASIL®9 is right for you. If you’re already sexually active, you may still benefit from GARDASIL®9. Though GARDASIL®9 cannot treat an existing HPV infection, you can still benefit from GARDASIL®9 if you are already infected with one type of HPV. Even if that HPV type is contained in the vaccine, GARDASIL®9 will still help protect you against the other eight types.

For more information about GARDASIL®9, talk to your healthcare professional.

Have additional questions? Check out our FAQ page.

Safety Information

GARDASIL®9 is a vaccine indicated for individuals 9 through 45 years of age for the prevention of infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 and the following diseases associated with the HPV types included in the vaccine: certain head and neck cancers, such as throat and back of mouth cancers, caused by HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. GARDASIL®9 has been approved with conditions. This means it has passed Health Canada’s review and can be bought and sold in Canada, but the manufacturer has agreed to complete more studies to make sure the vaccine works the way it should. For more information, talk to your healthcare professional.

GARDASIL®9 is also indicated for individuals 9 through 45 years of age for the prevention of infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 and the following diseases associated with the HPV types included in the vaccine: cervical, vulvar, vaginal and anal cancer caused by HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58; genital warts (condyloma acuminata) caused by HPV types 6 and 11; abnormal and precancerous cervical lesions (changes in cells of the cervix that have a risk of turning into cancer) as found in a Pap test caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58; abnormal and precancerous vaginal, vulvar (outside of the female genital area) and anal lesions caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58.

GARDASIL®9 does not protect the person getting the vaccine from a disease that is caused by other types of HPV, other viruses, or bacteria, and from HPV types that he/she may already have; but most people do not have all types contained in the vaccine. GARDASIL®9 does not treat HPV infection, cancers and diseases, or prevent its complications. GARDASIL®9 may not fully protect each person who gets it. GARDASIL®9 does not remove the need for screening for cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, and certain head and neck cancers, such as throat and back of mouth cancers; women should still get routine cervical cancer screening. GARDASIL®9 is not recommended for use in pregnant women and should only be used during pregnancy if a doctor or healthcare professional decides it is clearly needed. Women who become pregnant before completion of the vaccine series should complete their vaccination schedule after childbirth. If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or healthcare professional. GARDASIL®9 may cause some side effects and allergic reactions. The most common side effects seen are pain, swelling, redness, itching, bruising, bleeding, a lump where the shot is given, headache, fever, nausea, dizziness, tiredness, diarrhea, abdominal pain and sore throat. Fainting can happen after getting an HPV vaccine. Signs of an allergic reaction may include difficulty breathing, wheezing (bronchospasm), hives and rash. This is not a complete list of side effects; for any unexpected effects while taking GARDASIL®9, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Contact your doctor or healthcare professional to determine if GARDASIL®9 is an appropriate option for you.

Information about GARDASIL®9 is provided in the Product Monograph and Consumer Information, available here.

HPV=human papillomavirus.

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