Are You Eligible for Publicly-funded HPV vaccines in B.C.?
- northvancouvertravelclinic
- Jun 29, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 10
Last update: September 10, 2025
By North Vancouver Travel Clinic (address: 302-1150 Marine Drive, North Vancouver )
Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) protects against:
Gardasil 9 covers HPV strains 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 and is indicated to protect against:
● Cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers caused by strains 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.
● Genital warts caused by strains 6 and 11.
● Precancerous lesions caused by strains 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58
Who should get the vaccine:
In British Columbia, the HPV vaccine is provided to children as part of their grade 6 routine immunization program. The series starts between the ages of 9 and 14 years for all children. However, routine and catch-up vaccinations are recommended up to age 45 for females and males.
In addition to Grade 6 students, the vaccine is indicated and provided free in BC to the following individuals:
Individuals aged 9–26: Routinely offered in Grade 6, with catch-up available in later grades.
Individuals aged 27–45 who self-identify as gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), including those who are not yet sexually active or are questioning their sexual orientation.
Individuals aged 9–45 living with HIV.
Individuals receiving post-colposcopy treatment for cervical dysplasia on or after July 31, 2025.
The vaccine is also recommended but NOT provided free in BC for:
Women 26-45 years of age
Males 26-45 years of age (Who are not indicated above)
Administration:
DOSES AND SCHEDULE:
Immunocompetent individuals 9-20 years of age (inclusive): 1 dose given as 0.5 mL IM.
Immunocompetent individuals 21-45 years of age (inclusive): 2 doses given as 0.5 mL IM at 0 and 6 months.
Immunocompromised individuals 9-45 years of age (inclusive): 3 doses given as 0.5 mL IM at 0, 2, and 6 months.
Individuals 9-45 years of age (inclusive) living with HIV: 3 doses given as 0.5 mL IM at 0, 2, and 6 months.
Post-colposcopy treatment: 3 doses given as 0.5 mL IM at 0, 2, and 6 months
HPV Vaccine Tolerability:
Most common adverse events are:
● Injection site pain (82% to 92%)
● Swelling (24% to 44%)
● Redness (24% to 48%)
More than 95% of reactions are mild to moderate and resolve within a few days. Fainting may happen and is more common among adolescents and younger adults.
Key Points to Remember:
Since sexual touching can spread the virus, early vaccination at a young age is important to ensure immunity
Avoid use during pregnancy, due to lack of data, and if a woman becomes pregnant during the vaccine series, delay future injections until after delivery
Vaccination is most effective when given prior to becoming sexually active in males and females under the age of 26 years
In older women up to 45 years of age, vaccination may be about 47% effective for HPV infection, genital warts, and precancerous lesions regardless of prior HPV exposure or about 88% effective in those without prior HPV exposure
Not sure if you are eligible for publicly-funded Gardasil-9 or wondering if you are private insurance pay for it? Call us at 604-971-5163 and find out!
Reference: Communicable Disease Control Manual June 2019 Chapter 2: Immunization Part 4 - Biological Products
Author: Amir Mokhtari BSc(Pharm), RPh, CTH, Travel Health Specialist
By North Vancouver Travel Clinic ( Phone: 604.971.5163 )