Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine offers protection against nine types of human papilloma virus which can lead to cervical and other cancers as well as genital warts. Almost 100% of cervical cancers and 90% of anal cancers are attributed to HPV infections. HPV infection can also cause cancers of the vulva, vagina and penis, as well as certain head and neck cancers.

The HPV vaccine is given as an injection in the upper arm. The number of doses required depends on age and risk factors.

Multiple vaccines can be administered at the same time. This means earlier protection against multiple diseases and fewer appointments. Receiving multiple vaccines at the same time does not compromise the effectiveness of each vaccine.

In New Brunswick, the vaccine is offered to all grade 7 students as part the New Brunswick routine immunization scheduleand is available free of charge for the following individuals who did not receive the vaccine in school:

• all females aged 9 to 26 years (less than 27 years old)
• all males aged 9 to 26 years (less than 27 years old) born on or after 2005

Additionally, some adults who may be at increased risk of HPV can also get immunized free-of-charge up to the age of 45 years (less than 46 years old), including:

• individuals who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) community
• immunocompromised individuals, including those living with HIV

Although the HPV vaccine is not publicly funded for all individuals 27 years of age and older, you may still benefit from the vaccine. Talk to your health-care provider or pharmacist to find out if it is a good idea for you and check with your health insurance provider to see if your plan covers the cost.

The HPV vaccine is safe and effective. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection that is spread through skin-to-skin contact during sex. Over 75% of people will contract HPV at some point in their lifetime, if not immunized.

The most effective way to lower your risks and protect yourself from HPV infections and related cancers is to get vaccinated. Vaccination works best when it is given prior to infection with HPV.

Even if an individual is already infected with one or more vaccine-preventable HPV type(s), the vaccine will provide protection against the other HPV type(s) contained in the vaccine.

Although HPV vaccination is the most effective way to prevent HPV infections, the HPV vaccines currently available do not protect against all types of HPV. If you have a cervix and have ever had sexual contact with anyone, even if you have had the HPV vaccine, you should have regular HPV tests to screen for cervical cancer.

More information about the New Brunswick Cervical Cancer Screening Program is available at Screening for cervical cancer.

The vaccine should not be given if you or your child had a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine in the past or is allergic to any ingredient in the vaccine or its container.

Inform your immunization provider if you or your child has any health problems or allergies.

Reactions to the vaccine are generally mild and last one to two days. Common reactions to the vaccine may include soreness, redness and swelling where the vaccine was given. Fever may also occur. For mild reactions, a cold compress at the injection site may reduce discomfort. Ask a health-care provider what medicine is best to reduce fever.

With any vaccine, there is an extremely rare possibility (less than one in a million people) of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. For this reason, it is important to remain in the clinic for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine. Signs of this reaction may include rash, difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips. This reaction can be treated. Seek immediate medical attention if you have left the vaccination site and develop serious symptoms.  

If you or your child experiences unusual reactions to the vaccine or you have any questions or concerns, please contact your primary care provider, pharmacy, Public Health office or Tele-Care (811).  

Adolescents who did not receive their HPV vaccine in grade 7 and are still in school can contact their local Public Health office (Horizon, Vitalité) to book an appointment.

If you are still eligible but did not receive it in school, contact your primary care provider such as a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

Individuals who self identify as belonging to the GBMSM community or who are immunocompromised, including those living with HIV:

• aged 18-45 years can obtain the vaccine through their primary health-care provider or at a local participating pharmacy. Please check the provincial scheduler for pharmacy appointments.
• under the age of 18 years, who were not vaccinated through a school-based program, can obtain the vaccine at a local Public Health office (Horizon, Vitalité) or through their primary health-care provider

Vaccination records for people aged 16 and older are available by registering online at MyHealthNB. To access your immunization record, please register or sign in to your account. If your vaccination record is not available at MyHealthNB, contact the place you received your vaccines. 

The paper record of immunization provided when vaccinated will continue to be the official record. Keep your immunization record in a safe place. 

If the information on your record is incorrect or you received immunizations outside of New Brunswick and want them added, send an email to [email protected].

Immunizations administered in a Public Health clinic prior to 1991 may not be readily accessible.