Girls from Quebec, Canada, in grades four and nine will be able to receive the HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine if their parents request it. This will bring Quebec in line with other Canadian provinces. Authorities say this move will cost Quebec approximately CA$50 million this year.
The Quebec government said it hopes all young women will receive the HPV vaccine eventually.
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection which is closely linked to the development of the majority of cervical cancers.
Health Canada approved the HPV vaccine, Gardasil, for girls aged from nine upwards. The bulk of the vaccinations will take place in schools. Health officials say the most effective time to receive the vaccine is between the ages of 9 and 11. However, any girl under 18 will be eligible for the free vaccine.
The Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) (Quebec National Public Health Institute) stressed that this immunization program will not replace existing methods for the detection and prevention of cervical cancer, such as pap tests – the vaccine will complement the prevention program.
The Burden of Cervical Cancer
— Cervical cancer is the second-most common cancer among women globally – it is also the second leading cause of cancer death among women
— About 500,000 women annually are diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide
— Approximately 300,000 women die from cervical cancer each year globally
About Gardasil
GARDASIL is the only cervical cancer vaccine that helps protect against 4 types of human papillomavirus (Types 6, 11, 16, 18). Two of these types cause 70% of cervical cancer cases, while the other 2 cause 90% of genital warts cases.
Written by – Christian Nordqvist