HPV Vaccinations – From Empowerment to Prevention
When it comes to HPV, Penny Gleave (RN, BScN), owner of TravelSafe Immunization Clinic, asserts “education and vaccines go hand in hand. It’s important that our patients learn how to avoid HPV by understanding how it’s contracted and that, essentially, they know the connection between vaccine and behaviour.” Having been a public health nurse for 18 years before creating TravelSafe, Penny is passionate about ensuring that all her patients are well-informed about HPV, the vaccination process and prevention–part of the TravelSafe advantage.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infections are the most common sexually transmitted diseases, and can affect both men and women. HPV has been connected to cervical, vulvar and vaginal, anal, throat, and penile cancer, as well as being the cause of anal and genital warts. Needless to say, HPV is something that everyone needs to aware of and knowing about vaccination is key.
Easy, Safe and Confidential
Receiving the HPV vaccination from TravelSafe is easy. Gleave explains, “simply email or phone us to arrange an appointment. We take all our patients’ confidentiality very seriously, no matter what their vaccination needs are, so there is no risk at all in emailing or phoning us to book an appointment.”
Gleave further explains, “the vaccine we use is called Gardasil 9, and it prevents cervical, vulvar, vaginal and anal cancers and precancerous lesions caused by HPV. It also prevents anal and genital warts caused by HPV types 6 and 11.”
Who should receive the Gardasil 9 vaccine?
There is a common misconception that HPV is only a women’s health issue; however, the truth is HPV affects men as well. Therefore, Gardasil 9 is recommended for both men and women. “We are aware,” Penny explains, “if patients are eligible for a free vaccine and will inform them if this is the case, and, of course, we always get consent from the patient before we administer the vaccination.”
Gardasil 9 is provided free for boys and girls in grade 6. It also provides free to individuals between 9-26 years of age who are:
- Boys born on or after January 1st, 2006
- Girls born in 1994 or later
- HIV positive
- Men who have sex with men, including those who may not yet be sexually active and are questioning their sexual orientation
- Men who are street-involved
It is also provided free to males who are:
- 9-18 years of age in care of the Ministry of Child and Family Development
- In youth custody services centres
The Gardasil 9 vaccine is also recommended but not provided free to:
- Women born before 1994 who are 45 years of age and younger
- Men 9-26 years of age who do not fall into one of the above categories
- Men 27 years of age and older who are men who have sex with men.
Taking Pride in Your Health
When it comes to the HPV vaccine (and all vaccinations in general) Penny contends, “it’s about self-care and taking charge of your health. People should take pride in ensuring that they are vaccinated for HPV–it’s about empowerment and another aspect of taking care of your body and your health.”