Ontario's HPV program expert-approved: premier

The government of Ontario has announced that it will offer free HPV vaccines to girls in Grade 8, beginning this fall.

Premier Dalton McGuinty made the announcement Thursday morning at Women's College Hospital in Toronto.

"Cervical cancer is a devastating disease that affects far too many woman in Ontario," said McGuinty in a release. "We're providing this vaccine to women at a young age so it can help prevent the spread of HPV [human papillomavirus] and save lives."

Under the $117-million three-year program, the HPV vaccine, Gardasil, will be offered to approximately 84,000 girls. The vaccinations will be administered by public health nurses in schools.

In June, Nova Scotia became the first province in Canada to announce it would begin HPV vaccinations.

McGuinty's announcement was pre-empted by an article Wednesday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal that calls for a halt to the federal government's $300-million plan to vaccinate Canadian girls. It says more research needs to be done about the vaccine's safety and effectiveness.

McGuinty told CBC News that the Ontario government's decision is based on expert advice, and that it is sanctioned by the Public Health Agency of Canada, the National Advisory Committee on Vaccination, Cancer Care Ontario and the Canadian Cancer Society.

He added that his decision has a personal element. His 26-year-old daughter, Carlene, had her second dose of the HPV vaccine Thursday. Three injections of the vaccine are required for maximum immunity.

Dr. George Pasut, acting chief medical officer of health, also doesn't believe the vaccinations are premature and need more study. "I reject those assertions completely this is an important announcement for the health of the women of Ontario," he told CBC News.

Pasut believes all school boards in Ontario will be assisting with the vaccination program.

Girls have final say

A public awareness campaign is planned to coincide with the fall vaccinations. According to David Jensen, a spokesman for the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care, its aim will be to inform Ontarians about the value of the new vaccine. It will include the development of specific resources for schools and fact sheets about the virus and vaccine.

Jensen also told CBC News that parental consent forms will be issued prior to vaccination. But if a 13-year-old girl wants the vaccination despite her parents' objections, shewill still be able toget one. And even if parents agree to the vaccination, their daughter can still opt out.