Schools throughout the province will now be making a vaccine available for young boys as part of the province's immunization program.

 

Health Minister Jim Reiter comments on the update. (photo: Saskatchewan Party)

The Ministry of Health has released details of offering the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine for free to 7,500 grade six boys in Saskatchewan beginning this year. The vaccine had already been made available for grade six girls since 2008 as 7,500 will be able to receive the dose this year as well.

The virus has been linked to a variety of cancers such as mouth, cervical, and throat cancers. HPV is recognized as the most sexually-transmitted disease in the nation; receiving the vaccination at a young age can prove to be most effective.

“Our province has one of the most comprehensive vaccination programs in Canada,” said Health Minister Jim Reiter. “We are pleased to provide $750,000 annually for this additional investment in the health and well-being of our children.”

Other routine vaccines which are provided to school-age children for free through the school immunization program include:

  • Grade 6 students: bacterial meningitis, hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox)
  • Grade 8 students: tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) booster

Health officials recommend parents keep their children up to date with their children's vaccinations when made available, especially with flu season around the corner. Public health flu clinics will begin in late October.

 

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