York Region offers in-school clinics to secondary schools to protect against Human Papillomavirus
TORONTO, Dec. 5, 2012 /CNW/ - The Regional Municipality of York and Degrassi star Annie Clark have teamed up through a new online public service announcement to increase awareness among teenage girls about Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer and genital warts among females. To help prevent the spread of this sexually transmitted infection, York Region - together with the York Region District School Board and York Catholic District School Board - are making it easier for eligible female students to receive their HPV vaccine.
"HPV is a very common virus and can substantially increase the chances of women developing cervical cancer," said Dr. Karim Kurji, York Region's Medical Officer of Health. "The HPV vaccine protects against four common types of HPV and is the only vaccine proven to protect against cervical cancer and genital warts."
To be most effective, the vaccine needs to be given prior to being sexually active.
York Region and Degrassi's Annie Clark have teamed up to share important information about HPV. Visit York Region's YouTube channel to see what Annie has to say.
York Region Community and Health Services is holding in-school HPV vaccination clinics this school year for female students, in grades 9 to 12, who did not receive or finish their HPV vaccine series in Grade 8. Female students born between 1993 and 1999 who have not completed all three doses of their HPV vaccine are also eligible for free HPV vaccination.
Three doses of the HPV vaccine, preferably received all within one year, are required for full protection against most HPV infections.
The HPV vaccine is also available at York Region's monthly community immunization clinics or through family physicians.
For more information on HPV or any other public-health related issue please call York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653, TTY 1-866-252-9933 or visit www.york.ca/immunization
The Regional Municipality of York provides services to 1.1 million residents and 41,000 businesses that employ 516,000 people
Video with caption: "York Region and Degrassi's Annie Clark have teamed up to share important information about HPV. Visit York Region's YouTube channel to see what Annie has to say.". Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwmj4jkg0rA&feature=plcp
SOURCE: Regional Municipality of York
Media Contact: Lisa Sposito, Community and Health Services, The Regional Municipality of York
905-830-4444 or 1-877-464-9675, ext. 4106 After-Hours Cell: 905-955-2533 [email protected]
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