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.
The HPV vaccine
The vaccine against HPV protects your child against several types of cancer (for example, cervical cancer, genital cancer, anal cancer, cancer of the mouth and throat cancer). It also protects against condyloma (genital warts). Whether your child is a boy or a girl, vaccination is the best way to protect him or her against HPV and its complications.
What is HPV or “human papillomavirus?”
HPV is a very widespread infection. Without vaccination, roughly three out of four persons will have an HPV infection at least once during their lifetime!
HPV spreads mainly through sexual activity or intimate contact.
Most of the time, a person will not know he or she has been infected with HPV because of a lack of symptoms. He or she can then spread the infection without knowing it.
How do I discuss HPV vaccination with my child?
You can simply tell your child that it is an important vaccine for children of his or her age, to protect against infections he or she may be exposed to at a later age.
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 against the nine most dangerous types of HPV.
These vaccines are nearly 100% effective against the types of HPV for which they were developed, particularly if vaccination occurs prior to the onset of sexual activities.
A single dose of the HPV vaccine is enough to be adequately protected against these viruses and any ensuing complications.
Studies show that protection against HPV and its complications should last several decades, and nothing indicates that a booster dose will be required later on in life.
What side effects are possible with HPV vaccines?
Vaccines against HPV infections are safe. They were first introduced over 15 years ago, and over 500 million doses have been administered worldwide thus far.
- 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.
Severe allergic reactions after a vaccine’s administration are very rare but are nonetheless possible. Should an allergic reaction occur, symptoms will manifest themselves 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.
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. It has been in use for more than 25 years. Most of the symptoms or reactions it could potentially cause 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.
Severe allergic reactions after a vaccine’s administration are very rare but are nonetheless possible. Should an allergic reaction occur, symptoms will manifest themselves a few minutes after the injection. The person administering the vaccine will be able to treat this reaction immediately, on site.