HPV | Nova Scotia Health

HPV affects everyone.

HPV stands for human papillomavirus. There are many different types of HPV, and it is the most common sexually transmitted infection. About 3 out of 4 unvaccinated sexually active people will get HPV at some point in their lives.

The HPV vaccine protects you.

The HPV vaccine protects you against nine common types of HPV. While most HPV infections are harmless, some infections can lead to genital warts or cancer. This can happen to anyone, no matter your gender or sexual orientation. While the HPV vaccine was initially offered only to girls and women in Canada when it was first approved for use in 2006, this is no longer the case. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is now recommended for all children and adolescents starting as young as 9 years of age. It is also recommended for men who have sex with men.

The HPV vaccine protects against cancer.

The HPV vaccine protects against nine strains (types) of HPV and they may cause up to:

92% of cervical cancers
75% of anal cancers - Anal cancer is rare but increasing. In 2016, 200 men were diagnosed with anal cancer in Canada.
57% of penile cancers
72% of vaginal cancers
25% of head and neck cancers
90% of genital warts

Did you know?

More than 9 of every 10 cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV. Almost all cervical cancer can be prevented by HPV vaccination.

The HPV vaccine is safe.

Over 15 years of vaccine safety monitoring has shown that the HPV vaccine is safe. More than 200 million doses of the vaccine have been safely given worldwide.

The HPV vaccine works.

When given at a young age, studies show the HPV vaccine is nearly 100% effective at preventing infection of the most common types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer, other cancers, and genital warts.

Don’t wait to vaccinate.

It is recommended that youth get the HPV vaccine now. Here’s why:

The vaccine works best when given at a young age because preteens produce more antibodies after HPV vaccination than older teens.
For the vaccine to work best, people need to be vaccinated before they are sexually active and exposed to HPV.

Reduce your HPV risk

HPV vaccination is one of the best ways to help protect yourself against certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.

To further reduce your risk:

Limit your number of sexual partners
Use a condom correctly and consistently
Don't smoke
Get screened for HPV and HPV-causing cancers

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible to receive the HPV vaccine?
In Nova Scotia, youth are eligible to receive the HPV vaccine up until their nineteenth birthday. Men who have sex with men are also eligible until they turn 46.

How much does it cost?
For Nova Scotians up to the age of 19, it is a publicly funded vaccine, meaning it’s free! It is also free up to the age of 46 for men who have sex with men.

I’m already sexually active, why do I need it?
While it is true that the vaccine works best when given before sexual activity begins people can benefit from the HPV vaccine even if they have been sexually active. This is because the vaccine may offer protection from the types of HPV they haven’t yet been exposed to or contracted yet.

What if my parents don’t want me to get it?
There is no age of consent for immunizations in Nova Scotia. Individuals under the age of 19 who can understand the benefits of and possible reactions to the vaccine, and the risk of not getting immunized, can legally consent to or refuse immunizations on their own. Every student is provided this information regarding these vaccines and is evaluated before immunization. This means that if they understand these risks and benefits, then they may decide for themselves whether to receive a vaccine or not.

Where can someone get the vaccine?
In Nova Scotia, the HPV vaccine is mostly provided by Public Health through the school-based vaccine program and special catch-up programs. If you missed the school vaccine program in grade 7, you can still get the HPV vaccine from Public Health until you turn 19. Additionally, this vaccine is free for men who have sex with men until they turn 46.

To find out where you can get the HPV vaccine locally contact your local Public Health office, your healthcare provider (family doctor, nurse practitioner or family practice nurse), local sexual health clinic, or Youth Health Centre.

How would someone know if they’ve already received it?
Anyone over the age of 16 can access their own vaccination records through the YourHealthNS app or website (www.yourhealthns.ca). We encourage youth to get a copy of you record before they need them in case changes need to be made, or they need to get missed vaccinations.

Students can also request their records by completing this form (found at www.nshealth.ca/immunizations) and sending it back to Public Health.

If students have questions about their records, they can contact their local Public Health Office (call 1-844-515-0675 and follow the instructions, or find an office at www.nshealth.ca/Public-Health ).