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Media Advisories

Interim Statement on HPV Immunization

The SOGC welcomes the approval by Health Canada of Gardasil for the prevention of cervical cancer. In the light of this approval and the SOGC’s high profile HPV Awareness Campaign, the Society is encouraging its Members to be proactive in educating patients about HPV and providing information about the new vaccine.

The HPV vaccine has been approved for girls and women ages nine to 26 years of age. It is given in three doses; zero, 2 months and 6 months. At this time, the vaccine is not a reimbursable cost.

The vaccine is most effective when administered to girls and women before the onset of sexual activity. However, vaccination is also recommended for women even if they have already become sexually active. Women in this group should be advised that the vaccine may be less effective if there has already been prior exposure to HPV.

While not shown to be harmful, the HPV vaccine is not recommended to pregnant women. If a woman discovers she is pregnant during the vaccine schedule, she should delay finishing the series until after she gives birth. Women who are breast feeding can receive the vaccine.

HPV infection is not a contraindication and there is no need for HPV testing prior to receiving the vaccine. The SOGC has convened a consensus working group made up of representatives from six national specialty societies to develop consensus guidelines that will be published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Canada, in French and in English, in early 2007.

“SOGC is recommending all SOGC members take the time to inform their patients about HPV and this new vaccine that significantly reduces invasive cervical cancer and especially the pre-cancer lesions, and genital warts,” said Dr. Don Davis, President of the SOGC. “As well, we are encouraging you to consider providing the vaccination to your patients who currently fit the criteria.” The SOGC will hold workshops at its Regional Meetings, to inform members about providing the vaccination in their offices.

The SOGC has launched a web site called www.hpvinfo.ca that provides information on HPV. (Additional information is also available on the website www.sexualityandu.ca.) Patient education materials have been developed for your hospital and clinic and are accessible on the site. Teaching Modules can also be obtained by contacting the SOGC.

The SOGC HPV Clinical Guideline will review and provide up-to-date recommendations to our members about screening and HPV testing. In the meantime, it is important for physicians to advise all women that cervical screening and periodic assessment must continue according to provincial guidelines. The Health Care Professional section of the www.hpvinfo.ca web site can provide you with information on screening protocols.

The SOGC is hopeful that with its partners it can provide pan-Canadian recommendations on screening and testing, and continue working to convince all provincial governments to enhance screening, testing and access to vaccination.
If you are interested in the SOGC prepared teaching modules, or wish to receive patient information pamphlets, please do not hesitate to contact the SOGC National Office, HPV Project Coordinator for further information.

Approved by SOGC Executive, October 13, 2006, Ottawa, Canada