for eMaxHealth
For the second year, Toronto Public Health is offering the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, free of charge, to protect young women against cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that can cause cancer of the cervix and genital warts.
The vaccine will be administered to Grade 8 girls at school-based vaccination clinics beginning September 17. Three doses of the vaccine are required for protection. Girls who are starting Grade 9 and missed their second or third dose of the HPV vaccine can still get vaccinated at a Toronto Public Health catch-up clinic.
“Each year, there are 500 cases and 140 deaths from cervical cancer in Ontario,” said Dr. Barbara Yaffe, Associate Medical Officer of Health for the City of Toronto. “The HPV vaccine is considered safe and very effective.”
The HPV vaccination program is funded by the provincial government and is being delivered by health units across Ontario. Toronto Public Health HPV catch-up clinics are as follows. All clinic hours are from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, September 11 - North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge St.
Thursday, October 16 - East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave., Room A
Monday, November 17 - Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall, Health Centre
Thursday, December 11 - Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Dr., Health Centre
Clinic staff will be available to answer parents’ questions about the vaccine.
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