Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Get your HPV-9 vaccine at Student Wellness Services.

Book an appointment online

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the most common type of sexually transmitted infections.1  There are over 100 types of HPV, and while some are classified as lower risk, the HPV types that are high risk can lead to different types of cancer, including cervical, anogenital, or head and neck.1 Certain types of HPV can also cause skin and genital warts.2

How does it spread?

HPV is spread by skin-to-skin contact in the genital area.3 This means it can be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, as well as close skin-to-skin touching in the genital area.3

Because some types of HPV don’t have symptoms, a person may pass it to their partner without knowing.3


How can I prevent it?

Using condoms during sex will lower the risk of HPV; however, it can still by spread by skin that is not covered by a condom.3

Get vaccinated:

The HPV-9 vaccine protects against 9 of the most common and harmful types of HPV.3

Even if someone is already infected with a type of HPV, getting vaccinated can still protect against the other types of HPV that the vaccine contains.1

Please Note

  • Even if you have gotten the vaccine, individuals with a vagina still need to get their regularly scheduled Pap tests.
     
  • University of Calgary students can book pap tests through Student Wellness Services. We also  provide annual physical exams, STI screening, and information about contraception. All of our services are completely confidential.

How can I get vaccinated?

HPV Immunizations are available at Student Wellness Services. The Province of Alberta covers HPV vaccine for those 26 years old and under. Those 27 years old and over are still eligible to receive the vaccine however there is a fee for this age group.

If you have not previously received the HPV vaccine and are interested in learning more, please phone the main reception line (403-210-9355) to book an appointment to discuss with a physician, or contact your family physician for more information.  

Learn more:

For more details on the vaccine, including the types of HPV it protects against please view this information page on the Alberta Health Services website.

References

1. Public Health Agency of Canada. An advisory committee statement (ACS) national advisory committee on immunization (NACI) - updated recommendations on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines: 9-valent HPV vaccine and clarification of minimum intervals between doses in the HPV immunization schedule. Canadian Research Index: 2017. 56 p. Source 

2. Alberta Health Services. Human Papillomavirus (HPV-9) vaccine [Internet]. 2022. Source 

3. Alberta Health Services. Prevent HPV infections [Internet]. 2018. Source