"Since last September, 59 per cent of Grade 8 females in Durham Region have received the first and second dose of the HPV vaccine," said Dr. Robert Kyle, Durham Region's Medical Officer of Health. "It's encouraging to see that parents and students recognize the importance of this vaccine as a way to decrease the risk of cervical cancer."

HPV is a common virus spread easily through sexual activity. Around 10 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each week in Ontario, and approximately three of these women die from it.¨ The vaccine protects women against four of the most common types of HPV, two of which are cancerous.¨ Parents or Grade 8 girls can call the Durham Health Connection Line at 905-666-6241 or 1-800-841-2729 to schedule the vaccine at a school or a monthly immunization clinic.

For more information on HPV and the vaccine, visit www.region.durham.on.ca.