HPV = Human Papillomavirus
Did you know there’s a common virus called HPV that can lead to cancer later in life?
The good news is that the HPV vaccine can help protect you from 6 types of cancer.

It Works
When given at a young age, the vaccine is over 95% effective at preventing cancers caused by HPV.

It’s safe
Over 200 million doses have been safely given worldwide.

It’s free
In BC, the HPV vaccine is free for youth starting in Grade 6.

It’s for all genders
The HPV vaccine offers protection for everyone, including women, men, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people.

Want to learn more?
Download the HPV fact sheet | See ‘Common Questions’ below
Start a conversation with your health care provider on ways to prevent cancers caused by HPV.
Don’t know who your health care provider is or looking for support?
- School health nurse
- Community health nurse
- Family physician or nurse practitioner
- Pharmacist
- HealthLink BC Services call 8-1-1
- FNHA Virtual Doctor of the Day
Common Questions
About HPV
What is HPV?
HPV stands for human papillomavirus, and is a common infection that can cause 6 types of cancers. This includes cancers of the throat and neck, cervix, penis, anus, vulva and vagina. All genders and communities can be impacted by cancers caused by HPV.
How common is HPV?
HPV is very common. Around 3 out of 4 people are likely to get HPV at some point in their lives if they are not vaccinated.
How serious is HPV?
HPV causes around 630,000 cancer diagnoses around the world each year. In BC, thousands of people get illnesses caused by HPV every year. Among First Nations people, cervical cancer caused by HPV was the 5th most diagnosed cancer between 2008-2017. Not all HPV infections lead to cancer, but some do and can cause a lot of harm to affected individuals.
How is it spread?
HPV can be passed through close skin-to-skin contact and sexual activity.
About the vaccine
What is the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is highly effective at preventing 6 types of cancer caused by HPV. It also protects against infections that cause genital warts.
Are HPV vaccines safe?
The HPV vaccine is safe. More than 200 million doses of the HPV vaccine have been given safely worldwide. There is over 15 years of data to support the vaccine’s safety.
How well does the HPV vaccine work?
When given at a young age, studies show the HPV vaccine is over 95% effective at preventing infection of the most common types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer, other cancers and genital warts.
Why is the HPV vaccine given at a young age?
The HPV vaccine is over 95% effective when given at a young age. Young people build better immunity and are protected before they get exposed to the virus. Even if you missed getting the HPV vaccine when you were young, getting it as an adult still provides crucial protection against cancers caused by HPV.
Getting the vaccine
Who can get the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is free for all youth in BC ages 9-18. The HPV vaccine is for everyone and offers protection for all genders. Getting the HPV vaccine when you’re young protects against many cancers later in life.
The HPV vaccine is also provided free to individuals 19 to 26 years of age who are:
- HIV positive
- Two-Spirit, transgender or non-binary
- Males who have sex with males, including those who may not yet be sexually active and are questioning their sexual orientation
- Males who are street-involved
Where can I get the vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is offered in-school to students starting in Grade 6.
If your child or someone you know misses it, they can get the vaccine at community health centres, local clinics and pharmacies.
Can’t remember if you or your child got the HPV vaccine?
Check your immunization records to see if you’ve received the HPV vaccine or contact your health care provider.
Information and Resources
Getting the HPV vaccine is an important part of your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness.
Taking care of yourself and others through regular health checks, good wellness practices and seeking cultural supports can also help.
Talk to your health care provider about how
you can protect yourself against cancers caused by HPV.
- School health nurse
- Community health nurse
- Family physician or nurse practitioner
- Pharmacist
- HealthLink BC Services call 8-1-1
- FNHA Virtual Doctor of the Day
Awareness materials:
- HPV fact sheet
- HPV tri-fold brochure
- HPV poster
- Would you like print materials about the HPV vaccine?
Please email HPV@fnha.ca
Art Contest
CALLING ON
First Nations artists, poets and storytellers!
Join FNHA’s HPV Cancer Care Art Contest!
Express your perspectives and cultural values on community wellness, HPV and cancer prevention.
Open to First Nations individuals in BC ages 11 and above!
Submit by August 31, 2025
