1. The HPV Vaccine: Protecting Your Daughter from Cervical Cancer Your questions deserve trusted answers.

2. The Facts Cervical cancer kills 400 women each year in Canada Cervical cancer affects young women Almost 100% of all cervical cancer cases are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) PROTECT YOUR DAUGHTER against cervical cancer : Immunize against HPV.

3. HPV Immunization in BC Each year in BC HPV immunization could PREVENT :  150 women from developing cervical cancer  40 women from dying from cervical cancer  5,000 women from developing precancerous cells  10,000 women from requiring invasive procedures to treat abnormal cells  20,000 women from requiring additional follow up and evaluation due to abnormal pap tests PROTECT YOUR DAUGHTER against all of these things.

4. What is HPV? The Human Papillomavirus HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in BC Most infections clear on their own, but 10% will not go away and cells infected with the virus can become cancerous over time. HPV infection CAUSES cervical cancer

5. Who Can Get HPV? ANYONE who has been sexually intimate with another person Common infection: Infected with HPV 70% of all women will be infected at some point in their lives HPV infection is highest among adolescents and young adults (23% vs. 4% among older adults)

6. The HPV Vaccine Protects against 70% OF ALL CERVICAL CANCERS and 90% of all genital warts All women should continue to have regular cervical cancer screenings (pap tests) “The approval of [HPV] vaccine is a great medical milestone in the fight against cancer.” - Dr. Barry Rosen, The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada

7. HPV Vaccine Effectiveness ~100% protection when given before HPV exposure! Evidence that protection will last for at least 15 years, and will probably last for life Need for a booster is being closely monitored Younger girls build better protection IMMUNIZE NOW.

8. HPV Vaccine Safety Vaccines are only licensed in Canada if they meet very strict standards and are safe Some girls may have minor side effects The HPV vaccine has been studied for over 10 years A clinical study on the HPV vaccine was done in over 20,000 women for over 5 years in several countries Over 44 million doses have been distributed worldwide The HPV Vaccine is SAFE.

9. Why Immunize Now? Immunization is about PREVENTION Vaccine must be given BEFORE EXPOSURE for best results Studies have shown that the vaccine BUILDS BETTER PROTECTION if given to younger girls The vaccine PREVENTS HPV. It does not treat HPV.

10. HPV Vaccine and Your Daughter Immunization DOES NOT promote earlier sexual activity Immunization should occur BEFORE sexual activity to be most effective PROTECT your daughter from cervical cancer. Immunize Now.

11. School-based HPV Immunization Grade 6 girls Grade 9 girls for two more years 3 doses 1 st dose 2 nd dose 3 rd dose 6 months total 4 months2 months Make sure your DAUGHTER IS PROTECTED. Return your completed consent forms to the school.

12. Summary The vaccine protects against 70% OF ALL CERVICAL CANCER types The HPV vaccine is SAFE Girls are best protected when they get the HPV vaccine before they become sexually intimate The HPV vaccine builds better protection in younger girls PROTECT YOUR DAUGHTER

13. Questions? For more info visit: immunizebc.ca

14. Optional Additional Information

15. HPV and Cervical Cancer Initial HPV Infection HPV Infection Cleared Invasive Cervical Cancer Continuing Infection Abnormal Cell Growth Pre- Cancerous Cell Growth 0-1 years 0-5 years 1-20 years

16. The Cervix

17. Virus Penetrates Cervix

18. HPV Vaccine Bridging Study HPV Vaccine is Safe for girls 9- 15 years old

19. The HPV Vaccine and Boys Not currently licensed for use on boys in Canada Clinical trials are currently underway to determine vaccine safety and efficacy in boys Results look promising Protecting boys and girls would be ideal