The program also aims to prevent condyloma caused by HPV.
The regular Immunization schedule called for a dose of nonavalent vaccine (HPV-9) in the 4th year of primary school, followed 60 months later by a dose of bivalent vaccine (HPV-2) in the 3rd year of secondary school. Based on high-quality studies and the World Health Organization's position paper, Québec experts now recommend a schedule with a single dose of HPV-9 vaccine in grade 4, starting in the 2024-2025 school year. The second dose, given in the 3rd year of secondary school, will no longer be required for immunocompetent young people.
Students with weakened immune systems will need additional doses, according to a special schedule. If this is the case for your child, the school nurse can give you more information.
In addition to adopting the single-dose HPV vaccine schedule, the program provides free Immunization up to age 20.
A Pap test is a sample of cervical cells taken during a gynecological examination. This test can reveal abnormalities linked to HPV.
Every year, some 53,000 women must consult a specialist for further tests after receiving an abnormal Pap test result.
In Québec, a few hundred women are diagnosed and treated for cervical cancer every year. Nearly a quarter of these women die from the disease.
However, an even greater number of women are affected by HPV infections and their consequences. The Pap test is not perfect, as it only detects abnormalities due to HPV one time out of two. What's more, not all women undergo the recommended cervical cancer screening tests, such as Pap tests, on a regular basis.
Further examinations following an abnormal Pap test result can be repetitive, unpleasant and stressful. Some of these examinations, such as biopsy or colposcopy, can also be painful. Other procedures, such as removal of part of the uterus, can have consequences for a woman's fertility.
For men
Men are also at risk of HPV infection. However, men generate fewer antibodies than women after infection with 1 or more HPVs. The risk of being infected by the same HPV may therefore be greater for men. There is also evidence that the risk of HPV infection in men does not decrease with age and increases with the number of partners. The risk of anal, penile and throat cancer increases with age.
For men who have sex with men
Compared to men who have sex with women, men who have sex with other men:
are at greater risk of developing condylomata (two to three times more often than heterosexual men);
are much more likely to develop HPV-related cancers, particularly anal cancer.
Men who have sex with men do not usually benefit from the indirect protection afforded by Immunization of women. Vaccinated women indirectly protect the men with whom they have sex because they are protected against the HPV included in the vaccine. This means they cannot transmit the virus to their sexual partners.
Eligibility
The Québec Immunization Program allows the following people to be vaccinated against HPV infection free of charge:
men aged 26 and under who have or plan to have sex with men.
There are several reasons for choosing to vaccinate grade 4 elementary school students against HPV:
The immune system of children between the ages of 9 and 11 responds better to HPV vaccines. Children in this age group are usually in grade 4.
Since HPV infections usually occur during the first years of sexual activity, young people should ideally receive the vaccine before their first sexual relations.
The hepatitis A vaccine is already offered at school to grade 4 students. Giving the HPV vaccine at the same time means parents don't have to travel to have their children vaccinated.
Immunization is offered to both boys and girls, providing direct and equitable protection for all young people.
From October 2024, a temporary measure will offer HPV vaccination free of charge to people aged 21 to 45, subject to stock availability. Although the benefits of HPV vaccination are greatest when the vaccine is administered before the start of sexual activity, the advantages of vaccination are very much in evidence for adults.
Reimbursement is not available for the HPV Immunization program. This means that if a person eligible for the program receives the vaccine at a travel clinic and pays for it, the program will not reimburse the cost of the vaccine.
Other people must pay for the vaccine. Since fees may vary, you can contact the Immunization site of your choice (CLSC, clinic or pharmacy) to find out the cost.
Make an appointment
To book an appointment to receive the HPV vaccine, visit Clic Santé.
You can also call 1-877-644-4545 Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., or on weekends between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.