Free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Immunization Clinics

Perth County – Free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) immunization clinics are being held in November for young women who:
are in grades 11 and 12

did not get the HPV vaccine in grade 8, or

have not received all three doses.

What is HPV?
HPV can cause cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine, Gardasil, protects against four types of HPV: types 6, 11, 16 and 18. Types 16 and 18 are responsible for 70% of all cervical cancer, while types 6 and 11 are associated with 90% of all genital warts. After breast cancer, cervical cancer is the second-most common cancer in women aged 20 to 44. It is estimated that 80% of Canadians will have at least one HPV infection in their lifetime, and can even pass it on to others without having symptoms.

The HPV vaccine is only available for free for young women in grades 8 to 12 through the Perth District Health Unit. After that, the approximate cost is $450.

Clinic dates and times
Stratford: Wed. Nov. 19 and 26, 11am – 5pm at the Perth District Health Unit, Festival Square, 2nd Floor.
St. Marys: Tues. Nov. 18, 9am-12 noon at St. Marys DCVI, Nurse’s Room
Listowel: Wed. Nov. 26, 9am – 12 noon at the Perth District Health Unit office, 135 Main Street East, Unit 103

Clinics are by appointment. To reserve a spot, call Health Line at 519-271-7600 ext 267 or toll-free at 1-877-271-7348 ext 267.

Consent
As a reminder to parents and legal guardians, there is no minimum age for giving consent. High school-aged children can provide their own consent if they have the ability to understand the information about the disease and the vaccine.

Registered nurses will review the vaccine information when the appointment is booked and will assess each student’s understanding. If any concerns are identified, the parent or legal guardian will be contacted. Otherwise the student will receive the HPV immunization.

Parents and legal guardians are encouraged to discuss immunization with their child. It is important that the student knows about previous immunizations, reactions to past vaccines, medications that they are taking, allergies, as well as their parent’s thoughts and views about immunization. More information about the Health Care Consent Act can be found at
www.e-laws.gov.on.ca by searching “Health Care Consent Act.”

For more information:
Call Health Line at 519-271-7600 ext 267 or toll-free at 1-877-271-7348 ext 267
Visit www.pdhu.on.ca
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/pdhealthunit

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