Changes are coming to a B.C. vaccine program | Daily Hive

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The Government of B.C. announced today immediate changes to the HPV vaccine program that will see more people protected from certain types of cancer.

As of Thursday, July 31, access to the vaccine against the human papillomavirus (HPV) will be expanded and streamlined following guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and provincial immunization experts.

“The HPV vaccine is a powerful tool to protect health and prevent cancer,” said Josie Osborne, minister of health, in a release.

“By expanding free access and making it easier for people to get immunized, we’re taking another meaningful step forward in our 10-year Cancer Action Plan — reducing cancer rates and improving health outcomes for people across British Columbia.”

According to to Government of B.C., HPV can cause several types of cancer in various areas of the body. Approximately 75 per cent of non-vaccinated people are estimated to contract HPV at some point in their lifetime.

1 in 2 people in BC will face a #cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Knowing your risk factors, adopting a healthy lifestyle, getting screened & accessing preventative measures – such as getting your HPV vaccine – can reduce your chances of getting cancer. https://t.co/0wJfjUHUgk pic.twitter.com/wjoNBwWZGF

— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) March 17, 2023

The publicly funded HPV vaccine was previously available to British Columbians who had their first dose before they turned 19 and their subsequent doses before the age of 26.

Starting today, the vaccine schedule will shift to:

One dose for people aged nine to 20.
Two-dose series for people 21 and older with six months between doses.
Three-dose series for individuals who are immunocompromised

The Province is also expanding eligibility for the HPV immunization program to include:

All people aged 19 to 26
People aged 27 to 45 who are living with HIV
People aged 27 to 45 who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual, questioning, Two-Spirit, transgender, and non-binary communities
Anyone who has undergone post-colposcopy treatments on or after July 31, 2025

“B.C.’s community pharmacists are proud to be an accessible provider of vaccines for British Columbians living in communities, large and small,” added pharmacist Colleen Hogg, chair of the BC Pharmacy Association, in a statement.

“Pharmacists are one of the top immunizers and are there for patients when they need us.”

HPV vaccines in B.C. are offered through voluntary, school-based immunization clinics that begin with students in Grade 6 and via multi-grade catch-up clinics.

Other eligible people can get the vaccine from some pharmacies, STI clinics, public health units, primary care providers or a community health nurse. And people living in First Nation communities can book an appointment by contacting their community health centre or nursing station.

More information, including where to find a vaccination location near you, can be found online.

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