HPV Vaccination
What is the HPV-9 vaccine?
The HPV-9 vaccine provides protection against 9 different strains of human papillomavirus. These various types of HPV have been known to cause up to:
92% of cervical cancers
75% of anal cancers
57% of penile cancers
72% of vaginal cancers
25% of head and neck cancers
90% of genital warts
Who should get the HPV-9 vaccine?
In Alberta, Grade 6 students get the HPV-9 vaccine in school. However, if you did not receive the HPV-9 vaccine in Grade 6, you are still eligible to receive the vaccine for free up to and including the age of 26.
If you are above 26 and cannot get this vaccine for free, it is still beneficial to get this vaccine, and at Maud we are happy to meet with you to discuss this!
How many doses do I need?
If you have a healthy immune system and got your first dose before the age of 15, you will need 2 doses, 6 months apart.
If you have a weakened immune system or did not receive your first dose before the age of 15, you will need 3 doses, given over 6 month.
How well does the vaccine work?
After you have received the correct number of doses, the HPV-9 vaccine provides protection for the 9 strains up to 99%
This vaccine works best in children and teens, before they have any sexual contact (such as oral, vaginal or anal sex)
Because this vaccine does not protect against all types of cervical cancer, it is wise to still get routine pap tests once you do become sexually active.
Where can I get the HPV-9 vaccine?
At Maud, we offer HPV-9 vaccination! If you have not received this vaccine yet, please fill out a patient intake form and we will book you a consultation with one of our physicians to discuss further about your HPV-9 vaccination process.
Are there side effects from the HPV-9 vaccine?
Any side effects experienced after HPV-9 vaccination, tend to be mild and go away in a few days. Side effects my include:
redness, swelling, bruising, itching, or feeling sore where you had the needle
headache
dizziness
fever
feeling tired
body aches
nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea
sore throat
It is important to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after your vaccine as some people have a rare but serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If this happens, you will get medicine to treat these symptoms. Our physicians will be here to monitor and support you following your vaccination and will provide you with anything you made need!
If you experience any serious or unusual side effects, please call Health Link at 811 to report them
How can I manage my side effects?
To help with soreness and swelling, put a cool, wet cloth over the area where you had the needle
There is medicine to help with a fever or pain, please ask our physicians or your pharmacist if you are unsure about which medicine to take. Follow all directions on the package.
Children under the age of 18 should not take aspirin as it can cause serious health problems
If you have pre-existing health problems or a weak immune system, you must call your family doctor if you get a fever
Who should not get the HPV-9 vaccine?
You should not get this vaccine if you:
have an allergy to any part of the vaccine
had a severe/serious unusual side effect after this vaccine or one like it
are pregnant
You can still get the vaccine if you have a mild illness such as a cold or a fever. Be sure to disclose to our physicians any allergies or any adverse side effects you have experienced following vaccines in the past.
If you are planing to get pregnant, you should finish all the recommended doses of HPV-9 vaccine before you start trying to get pregnant
For more information:
make a consultation appointment with one of our physicians by filling out a patient intake form
call Health Link at 811
visit ImmunizeAlberta.ca
visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca
