HPV shot program extended

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is encouraging all women born in either 1993 or 1994 to get a free human papillomavirus shot.

The injections will be given out on Monday, Aug. 30 at an appointment-based clinic held between 3 p.m and 6 p.m.

"When all three doses of the HPV vaccine are given, it is close to 100 per cent effective in protecting against 4 types of HPV: two that cause about 70 per cent of cervical cancer and two that are responsible for about 90 per cent of genital warts," said Darlene Binette, manager of infectious disease programs, in a release issued on Thursday.

Prior to this month, the vaccine was only available free to Grade 8 girls, but the program has been extended to allow girls eligible for the initial shots to complete the program between now and August 2013.

Appointments for the shots can be made by phoning 625-8342.

Shots can also be given at the TBDHU’s weekly immunization clinics, held each week frm 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Health Unit nurses will also visit local schools during the school year.