What is HPV?
HPV, or the human papillomavirus, is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world today and can affect any man or woman who is sexually active. 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.
HPV happens
“It isn’t a big deal. Until you get it, of course.”
HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus. Many low-risk HPV types will clear up on their own, but some can cause genital warts. There are also high-risk types that can cause cancers like cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal and certain head and neck cancers, such as throat and back of mouth cancers.
HPV is common
“You can have HPV and pass it on without even knowing it.*”
It’s estimated that 75% of sexually active Canadians will have at least one HPV infection in their lifetime. Your partner can be infected without showing any signs or symptoms and can pass the virus on to you. And while condoms may reduce your chances of getting HPV, you can get infected just by skin-to-skin or oral contact with the genital area and without having intercourse.
* GARDASIL®9 is not indicated to reduce transmission.
HPV causes almost 100% of cervical cancer cases
“It’s estimated that 1,400 Canadian women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer each year.”
HPV can also cause other cancers like vulvar, vaginal, anal and certain head and neck cancers, such as throat and back of mouth cancers.
HPV can also cause genital warts
“Genital warts. Do you really need to hear more?”
It is estimated that every 15 minutes, one Canadian develops genital warts. Genital warts can cause considerable emotional stress and may have to be removed using medications or surgery.†‡ And they may still come back.
† GARDASIL®9 is not indicated for the treatment of genital warts.
‡ GARDASIL®9 is not indicated to address the consequences of genital warts.
HPV vaccination is NOT just for kids
“It’s not too late to get vaccinated for men and women up to 45.”
GARDASIL®9 can be administered in individuals 9–45 years of age.
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.
