5/1/2008
Manitoba is implementing a province-wide voluntary HPV immunization program. It will start in the fall, as part of a package of new investments aimed at helping protect woman from cervical cancer.
Manitoba's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Joel Kettner says it will be offered to girls in grade six starting in the fall before most girls are exposed to the virus. Kettner says its benefits won't be seen for awhile because it takes time for cervical cancer to develop. He says that's going to be an important part of monitoring of the vaccine as everyone gets experience using it.
The vaccine Gardasil was approved by Health Canada last year for girls as young as nine. Quebec, New Brunswick, B.C. and Ontario already offer subsidized vaccines to students.
|