Alberta Health Services
Health Information
You can ask for an interpreter if you don’t speak or read English well or use sign language. They can help you:
For interpreter services, call Health Link at 811 and press 1. Tell them the language you need.
The HPV-9 vaccine protects against 9 strains (types) of human papillomavirus (HPV).
Grade 6 students can get the HPV-9 vaccine as part of the school immunization program.
If you did not get the HPV-9 vaccine in Grade 6, you can still get it free of charge up to and including age 26 years.
You may also be able to get this vaccine free of charge if you are age 9 to 45 years and:
Ask your healthcare provider if you can get this vaccine free of charge.
If you cannot get this vaccine free of charge, it may still benefit you. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if it is a good idea for you. Check with your health insurance provider to see if your plan covers the cost.
You may not be able to get this vaccine if:
If either of these apply, check with your healthcare provider or a public health nurse before you get the vaccine.
Although you can get the vaccine if you have a mild illness such as a cold or fever, it is best to stay home until you feel better. This helps prevent spreading your illness to others.
If you have a healthy immune system, you need 2 doses, 6 months apart.
If you have a weakened immune system, you need 3 doses, over 6 months.
Grade 6 students can get the vaccine in school.
Grade 9 students who missed getting the vaccine can also get it in school.
Parents and guardians will get an information package that includes a consent form. If you want your child to get the vaccine in school, you must complete and sign the consent form and return it according to the instructions provided. Learn more about school immunization.
If you can get this vaccine free of charge, contact your local public health or community health centre.
If you want the vaccine and need to pay for it, contact a private immunization clinic. You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist if they sell the vaccine.
If you are unsure about getting the HPV vaccine for yourself or your child, try the HPV Vaccine Decision Tool. The tool asks about any questions or concerns you have about the vaccine and gives you the information you need to make a decision you’re comfortable with.
The HPV-9 vaccine works very well to prevent HPV infections and genital warts.
The HPV-9 vaccine works best in children and teens before they have any sexual contact (such as oral sex or intercourse).
The HPV-9 vaccine protects against most but not all cervical cancers. It is important to have regular cervical cancer screening (Pap tests or cervical screening tests), even if you get the HPV-9 vaccine. When to get screened is based on your age and factors that increase your risk. Talk to your healthcare provider about testing.
Vaccine safety is a top priority. Canada uses extremely safe vaccines. Learn more about vaccine safety in Canada, including how vaccines are monitored for continued safety, and ingredients in vaccines.
There can be side effects from the HPV-9 vaccine, but they tend to be mild and go away in a few days. Side effects may include:
At least 1 out of 100 people who got this vaccine reported 1 or more of these side effects. In some cases, it is unknown if the vaccine caused these side effects.
It is important to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after your vaccine. Some people may have a rare but serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If anaphylaxis happens, you will get medicine to treat the symptoms.
It is rare to have a serious side effect after a vaccine. Call Health Link at 811 to report any serious or unusual side effects.
There can be mild, short-term side effects after getting a vaccine. Find tips to manage these side effects at home.
