Alberta Health Services
Health Information
The HPV-9 vaccine protects against 9 strains (types) of human papillomavirus. These 9 strains may cause up to:
Grade 6 students can get the HPV-9 vaccine as part of the school immunization program. If you did not get the HPV-9 vaccine in Grade 6, you can still get it for free up to and including age 26 years.
If you cannot get this vaccine for free, it may still benefit you. Talk to your doctor to find out if it is a good idea for you. Check with your health insurance provider to see if your plan covers the cost.
You may not be able to get this vaccine if:
If you are planning to get pregnant, you should finish all the recommended doses of HPV-9 vaccine before you start trying to get pregnant.
If you have allergies or have had a side effect to this vaccine, check with your doctor or a public health nurse before you get the vaccine.
Although you can get the vaccine if you have a mild illness such as a cold or fever, you should stay home until you are feeling better to prevent spreading your illness to others.
If you have a healthy immune system and get your first dose before age 15 years, you need 2 doses, 6 months apart.
You need 3 doses over 6 months if:
Grade 6 students can get the vaccine in school. Grade 9 students who missed getting the vaccine at the usual time can also get it in school. Parents and guardians will get an information package that includes a consent form. If you want your child to get the vaccine in school, you must complete and sign the consent form and return it according to the instructions provided. Learn more about school immunization.
If you can get this vaccine for free, contact your local public health or community health centre. If you want the vaccine and need to pay for it, contact a travel health clinic or talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
If you are unsure about getting the HPV vaccine for yourself or your child, try the HPV Vaccine Decision Tool. The tool asks about any questions or concerns you have about the vaccine and provides you with the information you need to reach a decision that you are comfortable with.
How well the HPV-9 vaccine works is different for each strain. After you get the recommended number of doses, the HPV-9 vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection and genital warts from the 9 strains of HPV that the vaccine protects against.
HPV-9 vaccine works best in children and teens before they have any sexual contact (such as oral sex or intercourse).
Because the vaccine does not protect against all types of cervical cancer, it is still important to have regular Pap tests (even if you have had the vaccine). When to have a Pap test is based on your age and things that increase your risk. Talk to your doctor about when to have this test.
Vaccine safety is a top priority. Canada uses extremely safe vaccines. Learn more about vaccine safety in Canada, including how vaccines are monitored for continued safety, and ingredients in vaccines.
There can be side effects from the HPV-9 vaccine, but they tend to be mild and go away in a few days.
At least 1 out of 100 people who got this vaccine reported 1 or more of these side effects. In some cases, it is unknown if the vaccine caused these side effects.
It is important to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after your vaccine. Some people may have a rare but serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If anaphylaxis happens, you will get medicine to treat the symptoms.
It is rare to have a serious side effect after a vaccine. Call Health Link at 811 to report any serious or unusual side effects.
There can be mild, short-term side effects after getting a vaccine. Find tips to manage these side effects at home.
