Page 13 - Brandon Sun - Healthy Lifestyles

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2019 • HEALTH • THE BRANDON SUN 13
HPV vaccines: safe, effective and potentially life-saving

The human papillomavirus RECOMMENDED
(HPV) is extremely common IMMUNIZATION
and can be transmitted through Getting vaccinated twice
vaginal, anal and oral contact. before turning 18 will create
It’s estimated that 75 per cent the antibodies necessary to pre-
of sexually active Canadians vent infection. Vaccines are also
will develop anal or genital more effective if received be-
warts because of HPV at least fore becoming sexually active.
once in their lifetime, although However, they’ll still reduce
many types don’t cause visible cancer risk in someone who has
symptoms. However, it can also already been infected.
cause cervical cancers in women Parents should talk to their
as well as anal and genital can- children’s healthcare provider to
cers in both men and women. get more information, as should
Used properly, condoms re- adult women who haven’t been
duce the risk of transmission, vaccinated.
but they don’t eliminate it. All HPV vaccines available
Vaccination is the most reliable two types of HPV that cause It’s approved for women aged in Canada are safe and the best
method of prevention. 70 per cent of anogenital can- nine to 45 and men aged nine way to prevent the virus itself

WHAT VACCINES cers and is approved for women to 26. and any complications resulting
• Gardasil 9 protects against from it. Some provinces offer
aged nine to 45.
ARE AVAILABLE? • Gardasil protects against an additional five types of HPV free vaccination programs for
There are three types of four types of HPV, two that that cause 14 per cent of ano- children and at-risk adults. Talk
HPV vaccines available in cause 70 per cent of anogeni- genital cancers and is approved to your doctor or pharmacist for
Canada. tal cancers and two that cause for women aged nine to 45 and more information.
• Cervarix protects against 90 per cent of anogenital warts. men aged nine to 26. » Wire Services

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