Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Position Statement
CFSH believes that the human papillomavirus vaccination, like any vaccination, if proven to be safe and effective, should be equally available to all in Canada, and should be medically supervised, safe and fully funded.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is estimated to be the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection in Canada. HPV is contracted through skin-to-skin contact. Of the over 100 strains of HPV, only a certain number of strains have been shown to cause cancer. Therefore, the HPV vaccination should not be used as a replacement for cervical cancer screening such as pap tests, nor a replacement for prevention strategies such as condom use.
There is a concern that public vaccination strategies for HPV are being put into place outside of the broader context of sexual and reproductive health and health promotion, including STI prevention, education and treatment. As such, CFSH believes that any vaccination program should include consistent, accurate education about sexual health, including the promotion of safer sex practices and condom use.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is estimated to be the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection in Canada. HPV is contracted through skin-to-skin contact. Of the over 100 strains of HPV, only a certain number of strains have been shown to cause cancer. Therefore, the HPV vaccination should not be used as a replacement for cervical cancer screening such as pap tests, nor a replacement for prevention strategies such as condom use.
There is a concern that public vaccination strategies for HPV are being put into place outside of the broader context of sexual and reproductive health and health promotion, including STI prevention, education and treatment. As such, CFSH believes that any vaccination program should include consistent, accurate education about sexual health, including the promotion of safer sex practices and condom use.
Updated May 28, 2008 ML
