Is the HPV vaccine Gardasil® mandatory for all grade 8 girls?
No, but strongly recommended by Public Health, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care and the Public Health Agency of Canada. • My grade 8 daughter is not sexually active, why should she get the HPV vaccine (Gardasil®)?The reason for vaccinating at a young age is to target females BEFORE they become sexually active. Gardasil® has been shown to provide the best immune response in 9-15 year olds and before sexual activity (including oral and genital touching). Even if your daughter has only one partner in her lifetime, she still has a 40% chance of getting one or more of the HPV viruses. When and if she chooses to become sexually active, she will be protected. It is important to note that intercourse is not necessary to spread HPV. • What if my grade 8 daughter is home schooled or absent the day of the HPV vaccination?Please contact the Vaccine Preventable Disease Program to schedule an appointment at 905-688-8248 ext. 7425, or 1-888-505-6074.
