Nova Scotia is the first Province in Canada to initiate an HPV vaccine program for young girls.
The Nova Scotia Department of Health has initiated a free voluntary HPV vaccine program to start this fall (2007). HPV vaccine will be offered to all girls entering Grade 7. The cost to taxpayers will be approximately $2.8 milllion, but should save much more in future healthcare costs. The vaccine will provide protection against the two strains of HPV that are reported to cause 70% of cervical cancers.
Benefits of the vaccine campaign may take about 15 years before statistically noticeable. But it is expected that HPV vaccination could someday make cervical cancer a concern of the past. Similar programs were implemented in some states in the U.S. earlier this year. In fact, Texas gained notoriety by implemented a mandatory HPV vaccination program for girls entering Grade 6.
According to the Department of Health, Nova Scotia has the highest incidence of invasive cervical cancer in Canada.
The strains of HPV that cause genital warts and most cervical cancers are sexually transmitted. The vaccine is only effective when given before a girl becomes sexually active. Once exposed to HPV, the vaccine may not be effective.
Girls older than those targeted in the public vaccination campaign who are not yet sexually active are also good candidates for immunization. However, at this point, the vaccine will only be offered free to Grade 7 girls. The cost of vaccine for those outside this group is approximately $300.
Read more about HPV:
Human papillomavirus infection: The silent disease
HPV Protection: Immunization with HPV Vaccine
HPV Voluntary Vaccination: The New Hampshire Experience
STD Vaccine: Mandatory Vaccination
HPV Vaccine: Prevention of Cervical Cancer
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