By Daryl Major

Cancer Society calling on B.C. government to expand HPV vaccine access

Sep 23, 2016 | 4:22 PM

NANAIMO — The Canadian Cancer Society says B.C. is lagging behind other provinces when it comes to HPV vaccines.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in Canada affecting 75 per cent of sexually active Canadians at one point in their lifetime.

“The HPV infection is associated with about a quarter of mouth and throat cancers, almost half of penile and vaginal cancers and nearly all anal and cervical cancers,” says the Cancer Society’s Jenny Byford. “So it’s a virus that affects everyone but B.C.’s vaccination policy is only available to girls and only a small subset of boys,” said Byford.

That subset includes boys infected with HIV and those in the care of the Ministry of Children and Family Development or are in youth custody services.

“Everyone else who doesn’t fit into that category is unprotected unless they pay for the vaccine out of pocket, which is an unattainable cost for many. It can cost up to $300 to $450.”

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Byford says six other Canadian provinces are expanding school based vaccination programs, adding it’s time for B.C. to catch up.

She is also asking parents of all teens to voice their support at takeaction.cancer.ca.