RSD38 HPV Vaccinations
Vaccination against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can benefit patients across their lifespan since there is an ongoing risk of viral exposure and, therefore, cancer development. Lifespan vaccination opportunities begin with school-based programs where children are offered the vaccination before the commencement of sexual activity. This provides the best opportunity for a strong immune response before viral exposure.
Unfortunately, due to programmatic delays or parental misinformation, many children do not get this opportunity for life-long HPV-related cancer prevention. The “After School HPV Vaccination Program” provides educational tools, resources, and convenient access to ensure adults have every opportunity possible to benefit from protection against HPV-related cancers.
In July 2023, the BC Teachers Federation (BCTF) began covering the HPV vaccine for all teachers enrolled in the provincial Extended Health Benefits (EHB) plan. The vaccine protects against nine disease-causing genotypes of the Human Papilloma Virus, which is estimated to infect over 80% of the population in their lifetime. If the HPV virus persists in the body, it can manifest as cancer in the cervix (for females) and in the head/neck region in males and females. While the vaccination is provided free of charge for school-aged children in British Columbia, there is still a benefit in preventing HPV infection and transmission as an adult. In fact, since 2016, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has recommended “no upper age limit” for HPV vaccination, so adults who have not received HPV vaccination in school can still benefit from this cancer prevention vaccine. This is especially important for adult males, who most likely have not received the vaccine in school-based programs (these started over ten years later for boys), and are at a higher risk of HPV-related head and neck cancer. It is never too late to receive the cancer-protective effects of the HPV vaccine. With the new coverage, school district staff with the BCTF union now have coverage for the 650-700$ three-dose HPV vaccination under their extended benefits plan.
Recognizing that despite full cost coverage, barriers to accessing this important vaccination still exist. Considering this, the RSD38 health and safety team is collaborating with onsite vaccine provider Immunize.io to offer convenient onsite HPV vaccine clinics at RSD38 schools as part of the “After School HPV Vaccination Program.” For more information on Frequently asked questions about HPV, and the vaccination please check out RSD38 FAQs – immunize.io
In July 2023, the BC Teachers Federation (BCTF) began covering the HPV vaccine for all teachers enrolled in the provincial Extended Health Benefits (EHB) plan. The vaccine protects against nine disease-causing genotypes of the Human Papilloma Virus, which is estimated to infect over 80% of the population in their lifetime. If the HPV virus persists in the body, it can manifest as cancer in the cervix (for females) and in the head/neck region in males and females. While the vaccination is provided free of charge for school-aged children in British Columbia, there is still a benefit in preventing HPV infection and transmission as an adult. In fact, since 2016, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has recommended “no upper age limit” for HPV vaccination, so adults who have not received HPV vaccination in school can still benefit from this cancer prevention vaccine. This is especially important for adult males, who most likely have not received the vaccine in school-based programs (these started over ten years later for boys), and are at a higher risk of HPV-related head and neck cancer. It is never too late to receive the cancer-protective effects of the HPV vaccine. With the new coverage, school district staff with the BCTF union now have coverage for the 650-700$ three-dose HPV vaccination under their extended benefits plan.
Recognizing that despite full cost coverage, barriers to accessing this important vaccination still exist. Considering this, the RSD38 health and safety team is collaborating with onsite vaccine provider Immunize.io to offer convenient onsite HPV vaccine clinics at RSD38 schools as part of the “After School HPV Vaccination Program.” For more information on Frequently asked questions about HPV, and the vaccination please check out RSD38 FAQs – immunize.io
If you are interested in receiving the HPV vaccination at your teaching location, please complete the following form and a member of our team will be in touch to schedule a time to come to your school to give you your vaccination
The "After School" Program
For adults who did not get full series in school or did not start before 19. No upper age limit. Learn more here: https://immunize.io/rsd38-faqs/
Click on your stage of your lifespan journey and discover why and where you can get protected against HPV-related cancer.
Don’t miss your chance for the best odds of protection
enroll your child in the school-based HPV vaccination program
Missed the school immunization day? we won’t judge!
Just get vaccinated before your child finishes high school!
Having Fun in College/University
You Should Definitely get vaccinated against HPV!
Working adult in a monogamous relationship?
Cancer prevention is still for you and your partner!
Had a recent HPV scare? (Positive test, abnormal pap)
do something about it and get an HPV vaccine!
You’ve been diagnosed with HPV-related cancer
take back some control by getting an HPV Vaccine
Summary
Trivalent Influenza Vaccine
$0
All ages This year the government will be covering the TIV option
Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine
$25
Ages 6 months – 64 years of age For additional protection against an extra circulating strain of influenza consider the QIV influenza vaccine
Cell-based Influenza Vaccine
$50
Ages 5 – 64 years of age – For additional protection against an extra circulating strain of influenza and a better match against certain circulating influenza strains consider the cell-based QIV influenza vaccine
High Dose Influenza Vaccine
$75
Age 65 and older For the NACI preferred option and 25% better protection for adults over the age of 65 consider the High dose influenza vaccine