Options for Sexual Health

OPT endorses the use of an HPV vaccine as a public health measure to reduce the risks associated with the Human Papilloma Virus.

In this regard, OPT concurs with the National Advisory Committee on Immunization's statement on HPV vaccination and the Canadian Consensus guidelines on HPV

We strongly urge educators, public health organizations and other health care providers to link the HPV vaccination program to age-appropriate, comprehensive sexual health education and to other prevention programs (including currently-recommended screening programs such as PAP screening).

OPT supports the need for further research regarding the HPV vaccine in areas including, but not limited to:

1. the use of the vaccine on males
2. the long term benefits and effects of the vaccination program
3. a tracking program for those children who are eligible to receive the vaccine but who are not immunized
4. the use of the vaccine for hard to reach populations, including those who would not receive the vaccine through the school system.