Government of Nunavut expands access to HPV vaccine

Press Release

16 December 2022

To align with expanded national guidelines, the Government of Nunavut is now offering Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations to more Nunavummiut.

Nunavummiut aged 9 to 26 are eligible for the vaccine under the publicly funded program. Those who fall outside this eligibility criteria may be approved based on risk factors/clinical need on a case-by-case basis. Speak to your health care provider if you think you need an HPV vaccine and are not eligible for the publicly funded program.

HPV is a virus passed during sexual contact and is most common in people in their late teens and early 20s. HPV is very common in Canada, and most sexually active Canadians will be exposed to HPV at some point during their life. HPV can cause cervical cancer and genital warts. HPV can also cause cancers of the vagina and vulva, penis, anus, mouth, or throat.

Clients wishing to receive the vaccine can be referred by their physician or a community health nurse. For more information, speak to your health care provider.

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Media Contact:

Danarae Sommerville
Communications Specialist
Department of Health
867-975-5712
dsommerville1@gov.nu.ca

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