Get your HPV vaccine
Effective July, 31, 2025, B.C.'s free, publicly funded human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program has been expanded and streamlined.
The HPV vaccine schedule shifts from two doses to one dose for people ages 9 to 20. People 21 and older will be eligible for a two-dose series, with six-months between doses. Individuals who are immunocompromised will continue to need a three-dose series.
Eligibility for B.C.'s publicly funded program has also expanded to include all people 19 to 26, plus people 27 to 45 who are living with HIV or who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual, questioning, Two-Spirit, transgender and non-binary communities.
Those who have undergone post-colposcopy treatments on or after July 31, 2025, are eligible to get the vaccine at any age. (A colposcopy is a procedure to check for abnormal areas on the cervix and vagina.)
The HPV vaccine is safe and effective at preventing cancers caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and is part of the recommended vaccination schedule for all youth in British Columbia.
The HPV vaccine will continue to be offered through voluntary, school-based immunization clinics starting with students in Grade 6 and through multi-grade catch-up clinics. If you have missed a dose, or have not received your first dose and meet the eligibility criteria for a free vaccine, you can book an appointment with a participating B.C. pharmacy below.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 100 different types of viruses, spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact and can cause a variety of cancers as well as genital warts.
HPV is very common: three out of four sexually active people who are not immunized will get HPV at some point in their lives. Anyone who has any kind of sexual activity with another person involving oral, genital, or anal contact can get HPV. Sexual intercourse is not necessary to become infected. The more sexual partners you have the higher the risk of being infected with HPV. Men who have sex with men are also at higher risk of HPV infection.
To protect yourself and any current or future partner(s).
The HPV vaccine is a cancer prevention vaccine. The vaccine that is publicly funded in British Columbia protects against nine types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). These viruses cause about 90 per cent of cervical cancers, the majority of anal cancers, and other genital, head and neck cancers. The vaccine also protects against genital warts.
The HPV vaccine is very safe. Vaccines are approved for use in Canada only if they meet very strict standards for safety and effectiveness. The HPV vaccine has been well studied in clinical trials. It was only approved for use in Canada after studies showed it was safe and effective.
Where to get the HPV vaccine?
The following is a listing of pharmacies that may have supply on hand. However, there are many pharmacies that offer HPV vaccines that might not be listed. If your local pharmacy does not offer HPV vaccinations, please search for a pharmacy in your health authority below.
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You can also get your HPV from your local health unit.