Get vaccinated

What is HPV (human papillomavirus)?

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in Canada. About 80% of people will have an HPV infection in their lifetime. 

HPV can infect several parts of the body in both females and males. It is spread through past or current sexual contact that is wanted or unwanted. Sexual contact includes:

• skin-to-skin contact between any two people of the oral, anal, or genital areas, and
• sex with shared sex toys.

There are some high-risk types of HPV. Most people show no symptoms of it.

How can you prevent HPV?

Get vaccinated against HPV. The most common types of HPV and many of the related cancers can be prevented with getting the HPV vaccine. Health Canada has approved a vaccine and Manitoba has a provincial immunization program that provides free HPV vaccine to those who are eligible.

What are the benefits of the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine can prevent,

• a variety of cancers,
• pre-cancer (abnormal cells), and
• genital warts.

The HPV vaccine is safe. Some people report pain and swelling at the injection site, but no serious events have been reported. The vaccine does not cause an HPV infection.

HPV vaccine protects against nine types of HPV, all of which can cause cancer or genital warts. The vaccine works best if it is given before someone is exposed to HPV, but it can also benefit people who have already had sexual contact or an abnormal Pap test.

Which cancers can be prevented?

Most HPV infections clear on their own and will not develop any symptoms or health problems. There is a risk that an HPV infection may become long-lasting and could lead to cancer. According to the World Health Organization, there are more than 100 types of HPV, out of which about 14 are cancer-causing or high-risk types. High-risk HPV causes nearly all cervical cancers. It is also linked to cancers of the:

• mouth,
• throat,
• anus,
• vagina,
• vulva,
• penis, and
• head and neck.

As an example, we could prevent around 5,000 cancer cases in 2042 if all Canadian children are vaccinated against HPV, starting today.

HPV infection with low-risk HPV types can cause warts on the vulva, urethra, cervix, vagina, penis, scrotum, anus or thighs. Although warts are rarely related to cancer, they can affect physical, social, and emotional wellbeing.

What can you do to prevent getting HPV and reduce cancer risk?

To help prevent getting HPV and to reduce cancer risk:

• Get the HPV vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider, pharmacist, or public health nurse to see if you are eligible.
• Get your children vaccinated through the school-based program or a healthcare provider. Click here to learn more about Manitoba’s Immunization Program and who is eligible for a free vaccine. Health Canada recommends HPV vaccination for children nine years of age and older.
• Get screened for cervical cancer every three years. Most women who have ever had sexual contact should have a Pap test every three years. Trans, non-binary, and gender diverse people with a cervix should also be screened regularly.
• Limit your number of sexual partners. The more sexual partners you have, the higher your risk of getting HPV. Having one long-term sexual partner is another way to reduce your risk, but it does not eliminate your risk of HPV.
• Practice safer sex. If you are sexually active, using a condom may reduce your risk of getting HPV. Remember the areas of skin that are not covered by the condom are not protected.
• Make informed decisions about your sexual health. Talk to your partner(s) about their sexually transmitted infections status, their number of partners and the use of protection.
• Live smoke free. Smoking makes the body weaker to fight off HPV infection and contributes to the development of several cancers and genital warts.