B.C. Expands HPV Vaccine Access in Cancer Prevention Push

New Eligibility Criteria Target Younger Residents and Specific Communities

British Columbia is broadening its free HPV vaccine program, a significant step in its decade-long strategy to combat cancer. This initiative aims to enhance protection against HPV-related cancers for a wider segment of the population.

Shifting Vaccine Schedules and Expanded Eligibility

The provincial government is updating the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine schedule. For individuals aged nine to 20, the regimen is reduced from two doses to a single dose. Those aged 21 and older can now receive a two-dose series, with the second shot administered six months after the first. Immunocompromised individuals will continue to receive a three-dose series, as outlined in a July 31 announcement from the B.C. Ministry of Health.

Eligibility has also been extended to include individuals aged 19 to 26. Furthermore, people between 27 and 45 years old who are living with HIV or belong to LGBTQIA+ communities are now eligible. Those who have undergone post-colposcopy treatments on or after July 31, 2025, can receive the vaccine at any age.

Accessible Vaccination Points Across B.C.

The HPV vaccine will remain available in schools starting in grade six, as well as at select community pharmacies. Residents can also access the vaccine through various healthcare channels, including sexually transmitted infection clinics, public-health units, primary-care providers, and community nurses. For individuals in First Nations communities, access will be facilitated through local community health centres or nursing stations.

This expansion is a key component of the province’s comprehensive 10-year Cancer Action Plan. The plan seeks to improve cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment outcomes for British Columbians. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends HPV vaccination as a primary prevention strategy against cervical cancer, noting that the virus causes approximately 99% of cervical cancer cases worldwide. (World Health Organization).

B.C. Expands HPV Vaccine Access in Cancer Fight

Province Overhauls Immunization Schedule to Broaden Protection

British Columbia is significantly enhancing its fight against HPV-related cancers by broadening access to the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. This initiative, a cornerstone of the province’s 10-year Cancer Action Plan, aims to bolster preventative measures for a wider segment of the population.

Key Changes to Vaccine Eligibility and Dosing

A notable shift in the immunization schedule will see individuals aged nine to 20 requiring only one dose of the vaccine, a reduction from the previous two. For those 21 and older, a two-dose series, spaced six months apart, is now recommended. The established three-dose regimen remains in place for immunocompromised individuals.

Expanded eligibility now includes individuals aged 19 to 26. Furthermore, people aged 27 to 45 who are living with HIV or identify within the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities are also now eligible for the vaccine. Those who have undergone post-colposcopy treatments on or after July 31, 2025, can receive the vaccine at any age.

Accessibility Boosted Across Communities

The HPV vaccine will continue to be available in schools starting in grade six, alongside select community pharmacies. Residents can also access the vaccine through various health service points, including sexually transmitted infection clinics, public health units, primary care providers, and community nurses. First Nations communities will have access via their local community health centres or nursing stations.

This comprehensive expansion is designed to maximize protection against HPV, a virus linked to several types of cancer, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, HPV is responsible for about 75% of cervical cancer cases in Canada.

Province’s Commitment to Cancer Prevention

The provincial government’s commitment extends beyond vaccination, as the Cancer Action Plan encompasses broader strategies for cancer prevention, early detection, and improved treatment outcomes for all residents of British Columbia.

B.C. Expands HPV Vaccine Access in Cancer Fight

Province Aligns with 10-Year Cancer Action Plan Goals

British Columbia is broadening eligibility for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, aiming to bolster protection against HPV-related cancers for a larger segment of its population. This initiative is a key component of the province’s comprehensive 10-year Cancer Action Plan.

Shifting Vaccine Schedules and Expanded Reach

The provincial government is simplifying the immunization schedule for younger individuals, reducing the HPV vaccine series from two doses to a single dose for those aged nine to 20. Residents aged 21 and older will continue to receive a two-dose series, with a six-month interval between shots. Those with compromised immune systems will still be eligible for a three-dose regimen, as detailed in a July 31 announcement from the B.C. Ministry of Health.

Furthermore, access is now extended to individuals aged 19 to 26. Specific outreach also includes those aged 27 to 45 who are living with HIV and identify within the 2LSGBTQIA+ communities.

New Eligibility Criteria Introduced

Individuals who have undergone post-colposcopy treatments on or after July 31, 2025, are now eligible for the vaccine at any age. This update significantly broadens the scope of preventative care.

Accessible Vaccination Points Across B.C.

The HPV vaccine will remain available in schools starting in grade six, alongside accessibility through select community pharmacies. Residents can also obtain the vaccine from sexually transmitted infection clinics, public health units, primary care providers, or community nurses.

For First Nations communities, access will be facilitated through local community health centers or nursing stations, ensuring localized support for immunization.

Contextualizing the Expansion

This expanded access aligns with the province’s broader strategy to enhance cancer prevention, detection, and treatment capabilities for all British Columbians. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, HPV causes approximately 5% of all cancers worldwide, highlighting the importance of widespread vaccination programs.^[1]

The Cancer Action Plan emphasizes a multi-faceted approach to reducing the burden of cancer, with preventative measures like vaccination playing a crucial role.