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. GetGarded.ca is a resource developed by Health Initiative for Men (HIM) to help you with information about HPV and the Gardasil 9 vaccine.
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.
As of July 31, 2025, publicly funded HPV immunization is available to all B.C residents age 19 to 26. Additionally, people 27 to 45 who are living with HIV or who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual, questioning, Two-Spirit, transgender and non-binary communities are also eligible.
The HPV vaccine can be accessed at most pharmacies, sexually transmitted infection clinics, public-health units, primary-care providers or community-health nurses including our HIM health centres. People living in First Nation communities can contact their community health centre or nursing station to book an appointment.
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 vaccination. 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.
Gardasil is recommended for men who are gay, bi, queer, or have sex with other men, regardless of their age. That means that some private insurers will 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.