Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a powerful public health tool used to prevent various health conditions (previously discussed in my first blog post). However, this was not always the case. It was not until the early 1980s that German scientist Harald zur Hausen identified the link between HPV and cervical cancer. Today, there exist more than 200 subtypes of the infection, and vaccination remains the gold-standard for preventing HPV-related cancers of the throat (oropharynx), cervix, anus, vagina, vulva and penis, as well as genital warts. Although not all HPV infections can be prevented through vaccination, nine of the most common subtypes can be prevented by the Gardasil-9, or HPV vaccine. Currently in Canada, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends HPV vaccination for all individuals, both males and females, between nine and 26 years of age.
Not always “gender-neutral”
Despite existing gender-neutral HPV vaccine recommendations, public health programs were historically women-only, focusing mainly on cervical cancer prevention. However, research now shows that the HPV vaccine can prevent cancers and genital warts in both sexes, with vaccination programs in Canada shifting to include boys and men between 2013/14 and 2018/19 (provincially and territorially dependent).
With this, I find myself asking two questions:1) How has the delayed introduction of gender-neutral HPV vaccination programs influenced peoples’ perception of the infection? 2) Could the historical framing of HPV as a “women’s health issue” contribute to lower vaccine uptake in boys and men? These questions continue to motivate my research on understanding how the historical gendering of HPV can have lasting impacts, particularly as it relates to men’s sexual health. In fact, new evidence states that low HPV-related knowledge is a key factor influencing decreased vaccine uptake in men, which can increase their risk for preventable health conditions. These are just a few reasons why research focused on advancing equitable and inclusive HPV prevention must be of critical public health importance.
How does someone access the HPV vaccine?
Across Canada, publicly funded (free of charge) HPV vaccination programs vary by province and territory. In other words, eligibility criteria, such as age, sexual activity and gender identity, can differ depending on where you live. However, the delivery of school-based HPV vaccination programs is universal, with all provinces and territories offering the vaccine free of charge to school-age children. Individuals can also access the HPV vaccine through community-based settings, which include primary care clinics, sexual health centers and some local pharmacies.
Getting more people vaccinated against HPV starts with knowing where and how to access the vaccine. I encourage you to explore the list of provincial and territorial public health resources included below, or to contact a healthcare provider who can help you (or someone you know) take the first steps to making an informed decision about whether or not the HPV vaccine is right for you.
Why is this important?
In Canada, HPV vaccine uptake remains low, with only between 12 to 22% of adults (18 years of age and older) reporting being vaccinated in 2023, which highlights the importance of optimizing prevention. The purpose of this blog post was not only to inform you, but to spark conversations about the structure and delivery of HPV vaccination programs across Canadian provinces and territories. After all, everyone has an important role to play in preventing nearly 4,000 HPV-related cancers in Canada each year!
I hope you join me next month where we will explore what HPV can mean for the health of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM).
Canadian provincial/territorial HPV vaccine information
Nunavut (see page 75)
Photo by Andrius Budrikas on Unsplash
