HPV
Vaccines
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 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.
​
Who should get vaccinated
About 75% of sexually active Canadians will have at least one HPV infection during their lifetime.
​
Many people who have HPV don’t even realize it because the infection often has no signs or symptoms – which means they can pass on the virus to others without knowing it. All eligible individuals aged 9 through 45 should get a HPV Vaccine to help protect themselves against genital warts and certain HPV-related cancers.
​
Know the facts
FACT: Being in a monogamous relationship does NOT protect you from HPV infections.
FACT: HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. It is estimated that 75% of sexually active Canadians will have at least one HPV infection in their lifetime.
FACT: Condoms may not be enough to protect you against HPV – they only protect the area they cover.
FACT: HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 cause at least 70% of certain head and neck cancers, such as throat and back of mouth cancers.
FACT: HPV doesn’t discriminate between the sexes. Men and women who are sexually active are equally at risk of getting an HPV infection.
FACT: Being in a monogamous relationship does NOT protect you from HPV infections.
FACT: HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. It is estimated that 75% of sexually active Canadians will have at least one HPV infection in their lifetime.
FACT: Condoms may not be enough to protect you against HPV – they only protect the area they cover.