The HPV Vaccine:Protecting Girls from Cervical Cancer

It’s a team effort.

The Facts

Cervical cancer kills 400 women each year in Canada

Cervical cancer affects young women

Almost 100% of all cervical cancer cases are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

PROTECT BC girls against cervical cancer: Support immunization against HPV

HPV Immunization in BC

Each year in BC HPV immunization could PREVENT:

150 women from developing cervical cancer 40 women from dying from cervical cancer 5,000 women from developing precancerous cells 10,000 women from requiring invasive procedures to treat

abnormal cells 20,000 women from requiring additional follow up and

evaluation due to abnormal pap tests

Help PROTECT BC GIRLS against these outcomes

What is HPV?

The Human Papillomavirus

HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in BC

Most infections clear on their own, but 10% will not go away and cells infected with the virus can become cancerous over time.

HPV infection CAUSES cervical cancer

Who Can Get HPV?

ANYONE who has been sexually intimate with another person

Common infection:

Infected with HPV

• 70% of all women will be infected at some point in their lives

• HPV infection is highest among adolescents and young adults (23% vs. 4% among older adults)

The HPV Vaccine

Protects against 70% of all cervical cancers and 90% of all genital warts

All women should continue to have regular cervical cancer screenings (pap tests)

“The approval of [HPV] vaccine is a great medical milestone in the fight against cancer.”

- Dr. Barry Rosen, The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada

HPV Vaccine Effectiveness

~100% protection when given before HPV exposure!

Evidence that protection will last for at least 15 years, and will probably last for life

Need for a booster is being closely monitored

Younger girls build better protection

SUPPORT HPV Immunization.

HPV Vaccine Safety

Vaccines are only licensed in Canada if they meet very strict standards and are safe

Some girls may have minor side effects

The HPV vaccine has been studied for over 10 years

A clinical study on the HPV vaccine was done in over 20,000 women for over 5 years in several countries

Over 44 million doses have been distributed worldwide

The HPV Vaccine is SAFE.

Why Immunize Now?

Immunization is about PREVENTION Vaccine must be given BEFORE

EXPOSURE for best results Studies have shown that the vaccine is

BUILDS BETTER PROTECTION if given to younger girls

The vaccine PREVENTS HPV. It does not treat HPV.

HPV Vaccine and Girls

Immunization DOES NOT promote earlier sexual activity

Immunization should occur BEFORE sexual activity to be most effective

PROTECT BC Girls from cervical cancer.

School-based HPV Immunization

Grade 6 girls Grade 9 girls for two more years 3 doses

1st dose 2nd dose 3rd dose6 months total

4 months2 months

We Need Your Help!

How Can You Help?

Summary

The vaccine protects against 70% OF ALL CERVICAL CANCER types

The HPV vaccine is SAFE

Girls are best protected when they get the HPV vaccine before they become sexually intimate

The HPV vaccine builds better protection in young girls

WORKING TOGETHER to PROTECT BC girls and women from Cervical Cancer

Questions?

For more info visit:

immunizebc.ca

Optional Additional Information

HPV and Cervical Cancer

Initial HPV

Infection

HPV Infection Cleared

Invasive Cervical Cancer

Continuing Infection

Abnormal Cell

Growth

Pre-Cancerous

Cell Growth

0-1 years 0-5 years 1-20 years

The Cervix

Virus Penetrates Cervix

HPV Vaccine Bridging Study

HPV Vaccine is Safe for girls 9-

15 years old

The HPV Vaccine and Boys

Not currently licensed for use on boys in Canada

Clinical trials are currently underway to determine vaccine safety and efficacy in boys

Results look promising

Protecting boys and girls would be ideal