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Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination
HPV is a very common virus that has many strains. Some of these strains can cause cervical cancer and genital warts. The HPV vaccine (Gardasil®) can prevent infections by the HPV strains that cause the majority of cervical cancer and genital warts. Three doses of the vaccine are required for full protection. Free Immunizations for Grade 8 Girls The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) provides Gardasil® free of charge to girls in Grade 8, through school-based clinics and at physicians' offices. The decision to receive the vaccine is voluntary. Three doses of vaccine are required for full protection, and are usually given over six months. Immunization Clinics York Region Community and Health Services offers the HPV vaccine through two types of clinics: Ÿ School based clinics take place in elementary schools where there are 20 or more girls who want to be immunized. Ÿ Community clinics are available for girls in Grade 8 and girls in Grade 9 who start the Gardasil® series in Grade 8, including girls who: o attend schools that are not offered an immunization clinic o miss the clinic at their school due to illness or other absence o initially opt not to receive the vaccine but later change their minds Appointments are not necessary. You will need to provide your daughter's date of birth, current school and a contact phone number. Health cards are not required but are useful for updating immunization records for your child. Gardasil® consent forms will be available at each clinic. The schedule for the community clinics is provided below:
HPV resources: "Talking to your daughter about the HPV" Vaccine tip sheet
Additional websites: MOHLTC - www.hpvontario.ca Health HPVinfo - www.hpvinfo.ca/hpvinfo.html
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