Island Nurses Combat HPV-Related Cancers by Vaccinating Teens! Find Out Why This Is Crucial!

Island Health nurses are stepping up their game and hitting the schools across the region over the next few weeks to offer the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to students in grades 11 and 12. This initiative aims to significantly reduce the risks associated with HPV-related cancers, which can affect various parts of the body, including the cervix, anus, mouth, throat, penis, vagina, and vulva, along with preventing genital warts. The HPV vaccination is crucial for everyone, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, or previous sexual activity.

Dr. Christina Kay, a medical health officer, emphasized the importance of this program: “While we routinely visit grade 6 students to provide this vital vaccine, we are now extending our outreach to older students who may have missed their opportunity in the past. Administered at a younger age, the HPV vaccine offers almost 100% effectiveness in preventing the most common HPV types linked to cervical and other cancers, as well as genital warts.”

In 2023, Island Health reported that only an average of 55% of grade 6 students were vaccinated against HPV, revealing room for improvement across various regions—North Island at 47%, Central Vancouver Island at 53.9%, and South Vancouver Island at 65%.

One inspiring story comes from Sasha Henyk, a 12th-grade student who relocated from Ukraine to Courtenay two years ago. After consultations with her parents, family doctor, and counselor, she decided to get vaccinated for her long-term health benefits. “I got my HPV vaccine this summer and I’m really glad I did,” Henyk shared. “As a teenager, it’s easy to overlook your health with so much going on, and that’s exactly why I chose to get vaccinated—so I have one less thing to worry about.”

HPV is notorious for being one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, typically spread through sexual contact or skin-to-skin interactions. Shocking statistics reveal that about 75% of sexually active individuals who haven’t received the vaccine will contract HPV at some point in their lives, as noted by the Canadian Cancer Society. It’s crucial to understand that you don’t necessarily have to engage in sexual intercourse to contract HPV; any form of oral, genital, or anal contact poses a risk. While many infections may disappear without treatment, some can persist and lead to cancer.

“The HPV vaccine is safe, and we have overwhelming evidence to support this statement,” Dr. Kay remarked. With over 200 million doses administered worldwide and more than 15 years of monitoring, the vaccine remains both safe and effective.

Parents, caregivers, and students can expect to receive an informative letter from Island Health via their schools in January and February, detailing the upcoming immunization clinics. The vaccine is provided for free to youth aged 9 to 18 in British Columbia. Students who miss these school-based clinics can still access the vaccine through participating pharmacies, public health units, primary care providers, and community health centers. Currently, two doses are recommended for those aged 9 to 14, while three doses are advised for individuals aged 15 and older.

It's important to note that while the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends the HPV vaccine for individuals aged 19 to 45, it is not provided for free in B.C. Individuals in this age group, along with males 19 years and older who have sexual contact with other men, can purchase the vaccine through pharmacies and travel clinics.

Protect your future - get vaccinated and help combat HPV-related cancers today! Don’t wait until it’s too late!