B.C. now offering free HPV vaccines to boys

For the first time this September, B.C. will provide the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to boys, as part of the province’s publicly funded immunization program.

"We need to do everything we can to help girls and boys grow up to be healthy adults," said health minister Terry Lake. "We've targeted the program to Grade 6 girls and now Grade 6 boys to better promote the broad coverage needed for effective herd immunity.

“The HPV vaccine is most effective when administered before a child is first exposed to the virus and will help protect them from HPV- related cancers and other serious health problems."

Grade 6 boys will get the vaccine in September 2017, to improve protection against a range of HPV-caused cancers that can affect anyone.

The cost of the vaccine has reportedly greatly reduced and Health Canada has approved moving from a three-dose to a two-dose series. The two doses are given at least six months apart.

The HPV immunization program will become part of the regular school-based immunization clinics, but can also be requested through health-care providers and local public-health units.

"It's just as effective in preventing HPV-related cancers in males as it is in females, and the benefits are long lasting,” said Dr. Perry Kendall, B.C.'s provincial health officer.

The Gardasil 9 vaccine will be used in this HPV program. The vaccine provides protection against nine types of HPV, including those that cause about 90% of cervical cancers and other HPV-related cancers such as cancers of the vagina, vulva, anus, penis, mouth and throat. It also protects against two types of HPV that cause about 90% of cases of genital warts.

Three out of four sexually active people will get HPV at some point in their lives.