Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is urging young females and males to get the HPV vaccine not only for its role in preventing cervical cancer but also in HPV-related oral cancers.
The message is being brought during Oral Health month.
“This month we would like to remind parents of the importance of getting their children vaccinated against HPV for a variety of reasons,” says Kelly Palmateer, Oral Health Program Manager, says in a release.
“We have evidence that oral and throat cancers are increasing and we are learning more about the strong link between these cancers and HPV infections.”
Most young people are offered the shot through school-based vaccines in Grade 7 but the vaccines are publicly-funded for all students until the end of Grade 12.
It is recommended by the health unit that young people be fully vaccinated before they finish high school.
To book an appointment or learn more about the HPV vaccine, go to the health unit’s website.
