Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the world. There are over 100 types of human papillomaviruses, and 40 types are known to affect the anus and genital area of humans. In fact, you can be infected with more that one type of HPV at a time. Most HPV infections will not cause symptoms, and the body will rid itself of the virus within two years. However, sometimes HPV stays within the body and can lead to genital/anal warts and a variety of cancers, including cervical, penile, head, and neck cancers.

HPV is mainly spread through sex involving skin-to-skin contact, such as frontal/vaginal, oral (performed on the anus or genitals), fingering, and anal, amongst others. HPV can spread from one partner to another, even if the person with HPV has no visible symptoms such as warts. HPV is also spread when someone comes into contact with warts caused by HPV. Although rare, HPV can also be passed from birthing parent to baby during childbirth, if the birthing parent has genital HPV infection. Anyone of any age, gender, or sexual orientation can get HPV. However, there are some groups that get it more than others. For people who have previously had another sexually transmitted infection (STI) or those who have a weakened immune system (for example, if they have HIV), the chances of getting HPV can be higher.

Check out our resources on HPV immunization and share with your network!

For the Public

For Healthcare Professionals

Campaigns and Awareness Materials

HPV Vaccine Task Force in Ontario

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For the Public

Infographics

Protecting Your Child Against Human Papillomavirus (HPV): For Parents

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Why Boys and Men Need to Get the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Too

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Protect Against Human Papillomavirus (HPV): For Young Adults

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What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

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Factsheets

Human Papillomavirus (HPV): What you need to know

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Program Charts

Ages and school grades in which HPV vaccines are routinely administered, in each province and territory

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Videos

Dr. Vivien Brown: Protecting against HPV.

Are you protected against HPV?

Neil’s story: The importance of HPV vaccination

Neil’s story: Talk to your healthcare provider about the HPV vaccine.

Neil and Alison’s story: Speak to your doctor about protection against HPV.

YouTube Shorts from Immunize Canada

How is HPV spread?

short video by Immunize Canada

HPV in boys and men

short video by Science Up First and Immunize Canada

Is it worth purchasing the HPV vaccine?

short video by Immunize Canada

For Healthcare Professionals

Pocket Guide for Immunizers

Pocket Guide for Immunizers: HPV Vaccination

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The purpose of this pocket guide is to serve as a tool for health care providers to learn more about human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, enabling them to make strong and informed recommendations to their patients.

This pocket guide references recommendations made in the Canadian Immunization Guide Chapter on Human Papillomavirus Vaccine from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), information from the product monograph for GARDASIL®9 from Merck, and information from the product monograph for CERVARIX ® from GlaxoSmithKline.

Please note that this pocket guide is due for revisions. In particular, the recommended HPV immunization schedules will be reviewed. Immunize Canada will release an updated version of this pocket guide shortly.

NACI Statements

Updated recommendations on human papillomavirus vaccines. National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). 24 July 2024.

Summary of NACI statement of July 24, 2024: Updated recommendations on human papillomavirus vaccines. National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). 24 July 2024.

Campaigns and Awareness Materials

HPV? Me? campaign

Our campaign 'HPV? Me?' is meant to draw attention to the fact that anyone can catch HPV. We hope that people from many walks of life can see themselves reflected in this campaign, gain the information necessary to protect themselves against HPV, and make an informed decision about getting vaccinated against it.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the world, and it is estimated that 75% of sexually active Canadians who have not been immunized against HPV will have an HPV infection at some point in their life. In Canada, the HPV vaccine was initially offered only to girls when it was first introduced in 2006, leading many to believe that HPV was a disease that concerned only girls and women. However, this is not the case. HPV can affect anyone of any gender, and can lead to genital warts and various cancers such as penile, cervical, head, and neck cancers.

We can all help protect ourselves and others against this extremely prevalent disease. Talk to your healthcare professional about getting the HPV vaccine. Because yes, you too can catch HPV. And you can protect against it!

White Paper: The Need for Action to Prevent HPV-Related Cancers in Ontario. FMWC HPV Task Force. October 2023.

HPV? Me?

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One Less Worry campaign

#OneLessWorry – social media image for Facebook and Twitter

#OneLessWorry – social media image for Instagram

Posters

What is HPV?

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Who is affected by HPV?

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How is HPV spread?

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Why should I get immunized against HPV?

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Who should get immunized against HPV?

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Which HPV vaccines are available in Canada?

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Social Media Images

What is HPV?

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What is HPV?

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What is HPV?

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Who is affected by HPV?

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Who is affected by HPV?

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Who is affected by HPV?

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How is HPV spread?

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How is HPV spread?

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Why should I get immunized against HPV?

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Why should I get immunized against HPV?

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Who should get immunized against HPV?

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Who should get immunized against HPV?

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Which HPV vaccines are available in Canada?

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Myth-busting Monday

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Throwback Thursday

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