Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus spread by close contact during sex with an infected partner. There are more than100 types of HPV and it can infect many parts of the body. Some types of HPV cause infections in the genital area.

Three out of four people who are sexually active will come into contact with HPV, and nearly 60% of girls become infected within 48 months of becoming sexually active.

Most people have no symptoms, so they are unaware that they have been infected. Most of the time, HPV infection clears up and does not cause health problems. If the infection does persist, it can change the cells of the cervix which may lead to cancer.

Condoms can offer some protection from HPV; however, this virus can be present on skin that is not covered by the condom and can then spread with skin-to-skin contact.

Saskatchewan girls in grade 6 will receive the publicly-funded HPV vaccine through the existing school-based immunization programs.

In the 2008/2009 school year only, grade 7 girls will also be eligible to receive the publicly-funded HPV vaccine through the existing school-based immunization programs.

Although the Ministry of Health strongly recommends girls receive this immunization to protect them against cervical cancer and genital warts, it is not a mandatory immunization. Before your child receives any immunization, you will receive information on the shots that will be provided. You will also receive a consent form, which you will need to complete and return to the school with your child.

If your daughter is outside the target age group, you may still choose to access the HPV vaccine through your physician; however, you will have to pay for it.

The Ministry of Health will not refund the costs for families who purchase the vaccine outside of the publicly-funded immunization program.

Saskatchewan's publicly-funded HPV immunization program will begin for girls in the fall of 2008, and will be partnered with existing school-based immunization programs. It is typical for all Saskatchewan students to receive their shots for hepatitis B, meningitis and chickenpox in grade six (see Related Links, below).

Before your child receives any immunization, you will receive information on the shots that will be provided. You will also receive a consent form, which you will need to complete and return to the school with your child.