Introduction
In Grade 4, your child will have the opportunity to receive some important vaccines during an immunization clinic at school:
- a dose of the HPV vaccine;
- one dose of the hepatitis A vaccine.
Here is the information on these vaccines and the diseases they protect against.
HPV vaccines
What is HPV or “human papillomavirus?”
HPV is one of the most widespread viruses. It is very contagious and can cause several types of cancer among both girls and boys, such as, for example, genital, throat and anal cancer. These types of cancer generally develop several years after infection with HPV. HPV can also cause condyloma (genital warts).
How does HPV spread?
HPV primarily spreads during sexual activity, through close and prolonged contact with the skin or mucous membranes (such as inside the mouth, vagina or rectum) of an infected individual. The virus can be communicated during any sexual activity, even without penetration.
Most of the time, an individual is not aware that he or she is infected with HPV because of a lack of symptoms. Such an individual can therefore spread the infection unknowingly.
How can I protect my child against HPV ?
Vaccination is the best way to protect your child against HPV and its complications.
Why vaccinate children against HPV at such a young age?
It is preferable to vaccinate children before they come into contact with the infection, that is, before their first sexual activities. That way, the vaccine provides them with the most efficient protection for life.
However, keep in mind that the vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV (there are more than 100!) or against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Use of a condom therefore remains important.
About the HPV vaccine
HPV vaccines are effective. They particularly protect against types 16 and 18 HPV, which are the ones that most often cause the types of cancer associated with HPV. They also protect against most types of condyloma.
Two doses of the vaccine are necessary for the best possible protection. The second dose of the-vaccine will be provided in Grade 7.
Studies show that protection against HPV and its complications should last several decades. Nothing indicates that a booster dose will be required later on in life.
What side effects are possible with HPV vaccines?
The vaccines against HPV infections are safe. Most of the symptoms or reactions they cause are not serious and do not last long.
Known reactions caused by the vaccine
- in most cases (more than 50% of individuals): pain at the injection site;
- very often (fewer than 50% of individuals): redness or swelling at the injection site;
- often (fewer than 10% of individuals): itching at the injection site, fever.
Allergic reactions after administration of a vaccine are very rare but are nevertheless possible. If an allergic reaction occurs, the symptoms will appear a few minutes after the injection. The person administering the vaccine will be able to treat this reaction immediately on site.
Hepatitis A vaccines
What is hepatitis A and how does it spread?
Hepatitis is a liver disease. There are several types of hepatitis, including hepatitis A, which is caused by a virus. It can lead to serious complications, such as serious liver damage, persistent fatigue or, in rare cases, even death. Hepatitis A spreads through consumption of contaminated food or use of contaminated objects.
To learn more about hepatitis A, click here.
How can I protect my child against hepatitis A?
Vaccination is the best way of protecting against hepatitis A.
About the hepatitis A vaccine
The hepatitis A vaccine is effective (effective rate of 95 to 100%). In Québec, hepatitis A has nearly disappeared among vaccinated youths.
A single dose administered during childhood (between 1 and 19 years) is enough to protect in the very long term. Nothing indicates that a booster dose is necessary later in life.
What are the possible side effects of the hepatitis A vaccine?
The hepatitis A vaccine is safe. Most of the symptoms or reactions it causes are not serious and do not last long.
- in most cases (more than 50% of individuals): pain at the injection site;
- very often (fewer than 50% of individuals): redness or swelling at the injection site, headache, muscle pain, fatigue;
- often (fewer than 10% of individuals): fever, gastrointestinal problems, respiratory symptoms.
Allergic reactions after administration of a vaccine are very rare but are nevertheless possible. If an allergic reaction occurs, the symptoms will appear a few minutes after the injection. The person administering the vaccine will be able to treat this reaction immediately on site.