Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

The HPV vaccine protects men and women against Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection caused by four types of HPV viruses.

Vaccines can provide protection against a single disease or can be made to provide protection against more than one disease. Vaccines that provide protections against more than one disease are called combined vaccines.

The HPV vaccine is only available as a single vaccine format.

• Gardasil® (Merck)

In general, women between 9 and 45 years old and men between 9 and 26 years old should get the vaccine.

• People who have had serious allergic reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine or to a previous dose of the vaccine itself should not receive the HPV vaccine.
• Women should not be get the vaccination while they are pregnant.

Your health care provider will ask you questions about your health before giving you any vaccine. This will help them identify allergies you might have and to safely manage potential allergic reactions.

You could have mild side effects after being vaccinated, but they usually go away in one to two days. Some people can be allergic to the vaccine, just like they might have a food or medication allergy.

Learn more about common vaccine side effects and what to do about them.

No. Children don’t have to be immunized against this disease to attend school or a licensed day care in Ontario (Immunization of School Pupils Act, Child Care and Early Years Act). However, this vaccine may be required in certain workplaces.

Reporting vaccinations

Access and update your immunization records.

Cost

This vaccine is publicly funded for certain individuals and available at cost for others. Anyone who meets the publicly funded criteria may get the vaccine for free, no matter where they get it in Ontario (in a hospital, walk-in clinic, health care provider’s office or public health unit).

For a list of publicly funded vaccines in Ontario, see the Ontario Immunization Schedule.

Risks and benefits

Talk to your health care provider of getting vaccinated if you have special health conditions or concerns. Learn more about special considerations before being vaccinated.

• Public Health offers this vaccine at one of our immunization clinics.
  • This vaccine is offered in schools through our school immunization clinics.
• You may also be able to get vaccinated at your doctor’s office, a walk-in clinic or community health centre. Appointments may be required.

• Contact us.
• See our frequently asked questions or send us your question.
• See our list of helpful websites for information about vaccination.