Get-Vaccinated

vaccine vial and needle (c) CancerCare Manitoba

Get vaccinated

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There are two vaccines that can prevent cancer.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B (Hep B) are common viruses. These viruses can cause ongoing infections that can lead to cancer. There are vaccines that can prevent these infections and cancer.

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In Manitoba, human papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B (Hep B) vaccines are given at school in Grade 6. The vaccines are given by a nurse— it’s easy, safe and free.

Vaccines teach the body how to find and fight viruses. Just like we install anti-virus updates on our phones and computers to keep them running smoothly, vaccines can give our bodies helpful 'updates' too. Vaccines are a bit like anti-virus updates that keep working long into the future. This lasting protection is key because some cancers are caused by viruses.

 

Are HPV and Hep B vaccines safe?

Yes, HPV and Hep B vaccines are very safe and have undergone years of testing. These vaccines do not cause HPV or Hep B infections.

Before a vaccine is approved by Health Canada and ready to use in Canada, it undergoes a long testing process. Health Canada approves vaccines based on a scientific review of their safety, effectiveness, and quality.

After a vaccine is approved, it is monitored at local, provincial, and national levels for any adverse events. An adverse event following immunizations (AEFI) is any unwanted effect that occurs after someone gets a vaccine. Each AEFI is carefully reviewed to determine if the adverse event was caused by the vaccine.

Some students may have side effects like soreness or swelling in the arm the vaccine was given. Others may have a headache, fever, or upset stomach but these symptoms usually go away within a day or two. Serious side effects, such as allergic reactions are treatable and very rare. Nurses are trained to respond to side effects, and report serious events for review.

 

How can I get vaccines for my child?

The HPV and Hep B vaccines are given through the school-based program in Grade 6 in Manitoba. A parent or guardian needs to sign a consent form for their child to get these vaccines at school.

If your child misses the vaccines at school or prefers to get them elsewhere, they can get them for free from a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Click here to read more information about Manitoba’s School Immunization Program.

Health Canada recommends HPV vaccines for children nine years of age and older.

The HPV vaccine lowers the risk of cancers caused by an HPV infection later in life. This includes protection from cancers of the mouth, throat, cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, and anus.

Getting the HPV vaccine as a preteen offers the best cancer protection later in life because:

  • Just like other routine vaccines, the HPV vaccine works best at building strong, long-lasting protection when it is given before any contact with the viruses. Getting the HPV vaccine after sexual activity limits its cancer protection.

  • Multiple studies have shown that preteen immune systems respond better to HPV vaccines than the immune systems of older teens. This is partly because preteens produce more antibodies after HPV vaccination than older adolescents do.

Hepatitis B can be prevented with a vaccine. The Hep B vaccine is very effective and can protect against liver scarring and permanent liver damage, which can lead to liver cancer later in life.

Getting the Hep B vaccine as a preteen offers the best cancer protection later in life. Like other routine vaccines, the Hep B vaccine works best when it is given before any contact with the virus. Waiting until after sexual activity can make the Hep B vaccine less effective at preventing the Hep B infection.

Health Canada recommends the Hep B vaccine for all infants and children in Canada.

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 everyone. It is spread through sexual contact which includes:

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

There are some high-risk types of HPV. People infected with HPV often show no early symptoms, while others may notice itchiness, discomfort during sex, or genital warts.

 

How can you prevent HPV?

Get vaccinated against HPV. The HPV vaccine lower the risk of cancers caused by an HPV infection later in life. This includes protection from cancers of the mouth, throat, cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, and anus.

The vaccine works best if it is given before someone is exposed to HPV.

(c) CancerCare Manitoba

High-risk types of HPV have no early symptoms
and can lead to cancers of the:

  • cervix
  • anus
  • vagina
  • vulva
  • penis
  • mouth and throat

Low-risk types of HPV can lead to:

  • genital warts

If the HPV vaccine is given before a person has
sexual contact, they will be protected against:

  • 90% of cervical cancers
  • 90% of anal cancers
  • 55% of vaginal cancers
  • 55% of vulvar cancers
  • 40% of penile cancers
  • 75% of mouth and throat cancers.

 If the HPV vaccine is given before a person has
sexual contact, they will be protected against:

  • 90% of genital warts.

HPV infection with low-risk HPV types can cause warts on the vulva, urethra, cervix, vagina, penis, scrotum, anus or thighs. Warts can affect physical, social, and emotional wellbeing.

 

How can I get the HPV vaccine? Is there a cost?

The HPV vaccine is available through a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. The vaccine is free and you do not need a prescription if:

  • you are a healthy female born on or after January 1, 1997
  • you are a healthy male born on or after January 1, 2002
  • you meet other eligibility criteria listed on the Manitoba Health website

If you’re not eligible for the free vaccine, you’ll need a prescription and will have to pay for it yourself or through private insurance. The cost varies by pharmacy, but it’s typically around $190 per dose. Depending on your medical history, you’ll be recommended either 2 or 3 doses.

 

Is the HPV vaccine safe?

Yes, HPV vaccines are very safe and have undergone years of testing. HPV vaccines do not cause HPV infection.

Some people may have side effects like soreness or swelling in the arm the vaccine was given. Others may have a headache, fever, or upset stomach but these symptoms usually go away within a day or two. Serious side effects, such as allergic reactions are treatable and very rare. Healthcare providers are trained to respond to side effects, and report serious events for review.

Before a vaccine is approved by Health Canada and ready to use in Canada, it undergoes a long testing process. Health Canada approves vaccines based on a scientific review of their quality, safety, and effectiveness.

After a vaccine is approved, it is monitored on an ongoing basis at a local, provincial, and national level. An adverse event following immunizations (AEFI) is any unwanted effect that occurs in a person after they are given a vaccine. Each case is carefully reviewed to determine if the adverse event was caused by the HPV vaccine. Systems and groups exist to continually monitor, review, and make recommendations after each adverse event following immunization.

 

Do I need to be screened for cervical cancer if I have had the HPV vaccine?

Yes, you should be screened for cervical cancer if you have had the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer.

Most women, trans, non-binary, and gender diverse people with a cervix who are age 21 to 69 and have ever had sexual contact should have a Pap test every three years. 

 

What can I do to prevent getting HPV? How can I reduce my cancer risk?

 

What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B (Hep B) is an infection or inflammation of the liver caused by the Hep B virus and is usually spread through infected body fluids during sexual contact or sharing needles.

 

What are the benefits of the Hep B vaccine?

The Hep B vaccine is very effective at protecting against scarring of the liver or permanent liver damage, which can lead to liver cancer. Manitoba provides free Hep B vaccine to those who are eligible.

 

Which cancers can be prevented?

Hepatitis B virus can cause a long-lasting infection that increases your chance of liver cancer. The risk of getting liver cancer is even higher if you have also been infected with hepatitis C virus (Hep C). Infection with Hep B and Hep C viruses also increases your risk of bile duct cancer and some types of non-Hodgkin lymphomas.

Most people do not have any symptoms when they get hepatitis B. In some people, symptoms can take two to six months to appear. Symptoms can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin), tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, pale stools. Long-term liver complications, such as cirrhosis (late stage scarring of the liver) and liver cancer can also happen. 

 

What can you do to prevent hepatitis B virus?

To help protect you against hepatitis B virus and to reduce your risk of cancer:

  • Get the hepatitis B vaccine. There is a safe and effective vaccine available to prevent you and others from the virus. It is free. Learn more about Manitoba’s Immunization Program and the eligibility criteria.
  • Use condoms to lower exposure to blood and body fluids during sex.
  • Protect yourself from infected blood and other body fluids. Avoid sharing razors, needles, drug solutions or water, filters, cookers, and other drug-related equipment.
  • Avoid cosmetic, dental, or medical procedures unless you are certain that the needles are new and sterile.
  • Wear latex gloves if you might be in contact with someone else’s blood or body fluids.
  • If you think you may be infected with Hep B virus, talk to your healthcare provider about testing and treatment for the virus.  

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