How does the HPV vaccination program work?
In an effort to reduce the number of future cervical cancer cases in the province, the Ontario government offers the HPV vaccine free to all grade 8 girls via a school-based vaccination program. The vaccine is most effective if it is given to girls before they are exposed to the virus, which is why it is offered to this age group. Grade 8 girls whose schools are not offering the program are still eligible to receive the HPV vaccination under the publicly funded program in Ontario. They can make alternate arrangements to receive the free vaccine by calling their local public health units.
