GetGarded against HPV

Gardasil 9 is a vaccine that helps guard against the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is the cause of genital warts and several kinds of cancer.


ACCESSING THE HPV VACCINE (GARDASIL 9)

Federal guidelines recommend HPV vaccination to men 27 years of age and older at ongoing risk of exposure to HPV, but not everyone in our community can access the vaccine free of cost. HIM is working with our community to ensure everyone can GetGarded for Life against HPV:

Gay men disproportionately have a higher burden of HPV infection and are 20 times more likely than heterosexual men to develop anal cancer. Men who are HIV positive are even more in danger of developing anal cancer.

Federal guidelines recommend HPV vaccination to men 27 years of age and older at ongoing risk of exposure to HPV.  But not everyone in our community can access the vaccine free of cost.

Help us advocate for expanded eligibility! Sign the petition and contact your local politician.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). HPV is the cause of most genital warts and several cancers, including almost all cases of cervical cancer and 80-90% of cases of anal cancer. Find out more about HPV. 

HPV is easily transmitted by almost any sexual contact: oral, anal, frontal/vaginal, or even just skin-to-skin contact.  

Condoms can provide some protection, but the most effective way of preventing HPV infection is a vaccine called Gardasil. Gardasil guards against the types of HPV that cause most genital warts and several kinds of cancer. Find out more about preventing and treating HPV. 

Under the age of 27? You’re probably eligible to get Gardasil for free through a provincial program. The program is for people under 27 years old who identify as (trans and cis) men who have sex with men. 

Gardasil is recommended for men from age 27 onward who are gay, bi, queer, or have sex with other men.  There is no age limit. That means that some private insurers will now provide coverage, although it can also be bought with a prescription from a pharmacy. 

If you considered getting Gardasil in the past but found it too expensive, it might be time to talk to a health care provider or insurer about getting vaccinated.  

Unfortunately, the recommendations for people from the age 27 onward do not account for gender diverse people and only give clear guidance to cis men and cis women. Individual health care providers can prescribe Gardasil to people who they think qualify. 

Find your pathway to Gardasil 9.