HPV vaccine temporarily free for 21 to 45-year-olds in Quebec

Healthy Quebec adults aged 21 to 45 can get a free vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) for a temporary period.

The Health and Social Services Ministry made the announcement Wednesday morning,

Their goal is to target a population that has never been vaccinated against these viruses – some of which can potentially cause cancer.

The measure also aims to avoid wasting Cervarix vaccines that will expire upcoming months.

The government currently has 150,000 of doses. The vaccine is usually given in two doses, but the government said that a single dose “already provides very good protection against future infections.”

The free shots will continue until supplies last.

Those interested can make an appointment on Clic Santé.

Young people aged nine to 20 already have free access to vaccines, which are usually administered in school.

HPV is most often transmitted sexually, and an infected person may not experience any symptoms for several years.

The immune system usually clears the virus over time, but some types of HPV can eventually cause cancer, including cervical cancer.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews