HPV in Canada - Variations Accross the Country

Gardasil is a licensed HPV vaccine in over 80 countries. It is the first HPV vaccine to be approved for us in Canada. In 2007, HPV vaccinations were only available in the following provinces: Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. In March 2007, the federal government announced a $300 million funding for three years in support of the HPV vaccine. $117 million of the funds were allocated to Ontario and the rest for were distributed among the other three provinces.
HPV testing and access across Canada, varies across the country. For example, the age for vaccination varies. Nova Scotia targets girls in grade 7, Ontario targets girls in grade 8 and Prince Edward Island begins to vaccinate young women in grade 6. Other provinces such as Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan, British Columbia and New Brunswick and Quebec do offer the HPV vaccination; however, it is not funded by the Government. These provinces recently began implementing HPV vaccination programs, however they are publicly funded. Manitoba and Saskatchewan offer a publicly funded vaccine program for grade 6 girls only. Alberta is targeting grade 5 girls, so they can administer the Hepatitis B and HPV vaccination simultaneously. Beginning next September, girls in grade 9 will be eligible for the vaccination for a three year period in order for girls’ presently in grades 6, 7, and 8 to “catch up” and receive their vaccination as well. Quebec has begun vaccinating girls in grade four, and will allow them until the age of 18 to be immunized for free. British Columbia offers vaccinations for girls in grades 6 and 9 and New Brunswick offers vaccinations to girl in grade 9.
I think it’s interesting how at present, all of Canada is implementing Gardasil, while the majority of the country initially felt sceptical about it. Why do you think the government of Alberta and Manitoba changed their views towards Gardasil? With all the information we have presented with you so far, do you believe they support Gardasil because it’s truly effective?