Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Clinics

In Ontario, free Human Papillomavirus vaccine is offered to all girls in Grade 8 to protect them against the virus that causes most cases of cervical cancer.

Girls are provided with the vaccine in Grade 8 because the vaccine is most effective if taken before a girl becomes sexually active. The HPV vaccine was integrated into the existing school-based vaccination program in the fall of 2007.

The vaccine is given as a series of three injections. Region of Waterloo Public Health staff administer the school-based program.

HPV immunization is not mandatory, but it is recommended. To arrange for your Grade 8 daughter to receive the vaccine, parents may contact our Immunization & Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program by calling 519-883-2007

For information about HPV, how it spreads, what the symptoms are and how to protect yourself, go to the Human Papillomavirus page.

Information for Parents

To provide the required consent for your daughter, please check the HPV Consent Form.

To get information about the Act, please check the Health Care Consent Act.

Information About the Vaccine

The HPV vaccine (Gardasil^TM) protects against the two HPV types (16, 18) responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases and the two HPV types (6, 11) associated with 90% of genital warts. Gardasil^TM is recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization for females aged 9 to 26 years.