Public Funding Expands for HPV Vaccine

BELLEVILLE (28/09/12) Christie Reeve, public health nurse at The Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit, shows the poster about the HPV vaccine that will be displayed in local schools. Photo by Lyndsie Baxter.

By Lyndsie Baxter.

The Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit has extended the eligibility for female students who have not completed their HPV immunization series or did not receive the shot in Grade 8.

Females from grades 9-12 can now make the choice to receive the vaccine free. Females who were in Grade 8 during the 2007/2008 school years will only be eligible for the free vaccines from September 2012 to June 2012.

Christie Reeve, a public health nurse at The Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit, said that for the second year they are going out to elementary schools to provide a brief presentation on HPV to educate girls so they can make an informed decision.

“Some girls tend to hold off and wait because they are either scared of needles or don’t know enough about the vaccine,” said Reeve. “We go to the elementary schools in the area and try to educate girls in a short time frame.”

The human papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV, is a group of over 100 viruses. While most of the viruses cause no harm, others can cause serious infections that lead to the development of cervical cancer. The Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit administers the vaccine Gardasil, which protects against the four types that can lead to HPV infections.

In Canada, Gardasil has been approved for use in males aged 9-26 and females aged 9-45. It is a three-dose series. Each dose of the vaccine costs $150 at the Health Unit but may be covered by some benefit plans. In Ontario, Gardasil vaccine is free of charge for all females in grade 8 through 12 and is provided by the Health Unit through in school run programs.

Reeve said this year the consent forms for the vaccine have changed.

“In the past we gave consent forms to the parents but this year we addressed the letters to the girls. We want everybody on board in the decision making process, but ultimately the decision lies with the students. ”

Reeve said this is not a new vaccine. The HPV shot has been available in Canada for over five years with 17 years of previous testing. The only new aspect to the vaccine is that it’s now publically funded for grades 8 through 12 when before it was just Grade 8.

Reeve said girls should take time and really think about their health and well being.

“Making good decisions now can lead to healthier lives later for these women.”

For more information on HPV or any other health related questions please visit www.yourhealthunit.ca or call the immunization intake line at 613-966-5513 ext. 313