HPV – Ask Your Pharmacist First

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in Canada. According to B.C. pharmacist Brianna Pallot, the Gardasil 9 vaccine protects against nine strains of the virus that cause about 70 percent of HPV-related head and neck cancers.

“Getting immunized with the vaccine can significantly reduce people’s chance of getting cancer,” said Pallot. “For females, there are Pap tests through BC Cancer to look for HPV. But in males, unfortunately, there isn’t a self-screening. So getting the vaccine is a really important way to help reduce the chance of a male acquiring an HPV-related cancer.”

Pallot explains that warning signs of HPV-related throat cancer include a sore throat that does not go away and unusual white or red patches inside the mouth. She encourages people to pay attention to these symptoms.

“If those things are coming up, maybe worth talking to your doctor, but it is best to get the vaccine before any of that happens,” she said.

Pallot points out that pharmacists are some of the most accessible health-care professionals. They can check your vaccination records, determine whether you qualify for free doses, and give you the vaccine on the spot.

The Gardasil 9 vaccine is free for eligible people in British Columbia. If you live in B.C., talk to your pharmacist to find out if you qualify.

by Dave Branco

HPV – Ask Your Pharmacist First

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