NEWMARKET – The Regional Municipality of York Community and Health Services Department advises residents that the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is extending the deadline for young women to receive the free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Gardasil®.

Under new provincial eligibility, recently graduated Grade 8 girls (entering into Grade 9 this fall) who begin the HPV vaccination program before September 1, 2008, and complete the remaining doses before September 1, 2009, will receive all three doses of the vaccine for free.

Previously, young women were required to receive all three doses of the HPV vaccine before they began Grade 9.

Gardasil® protects against most cervical cancers and genital warts caused by the HPV. Three doses of the vaccine, all administered within a one-year period, are required for full protection.

Parents can arrange for their eligible daughter(s) to receive the HPV vaccination through a York Region immunization or sexual health clinic. The catch-up immunization clinic schedule is below:

Tuesday, August 19, 2008
50 High Tech Road
2nd Floor
Town of Richmond Hill
3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008
4261 Highway #7
Sexual Health Clinic
Town of Markham
3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday, August 21, 2008
22 Prospect Street
Sexual Health Clinic
Town of Newmarket
3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Appointments to receive the HPV vaccine through a York Region sexual health clinic can be made by calling York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653. Additional clinic information and locations are available at www.york.ca/sexualhealth

Another program change is that eligible girls can also receive the HPV vaccine from their family physician, at no cost. Physicians must request the vaccine from York Region public health in advance of the appointments. Parents are reminded to advise their doctor of their intentions when booking the appointment. Parents are also required to provide proof of their child’s updated immunization to the local health department.

For more information on The Regional Municipality of York, please visit www.york.ca