PrEP and Vaccinations - The PrEP Clinic

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If you’re on PrEP, responsible care providers will offer protection against HPV.

That’s why we provide it FREE to our patients.

What is HPV?

HPV is the Human Papilloma Virus and can be acquired through sexual activity. It is the main cause of cervical cancer and can lead to mouth, throat, penile, and anal cancers. HPV is also the virus that causes anal and genital warts.

But did you know there’s a highly effective vaccine for the virus – and that it is recommended for all genders?

HPV is not the same as herpes or cold sores (this is known as HSV or Herpes Simplex Virus).

Is the HPV vaccine free?

The vaccine is available free to all PrEP patients with our clinic – with no age restrictions – at our in-person locations.

The vaccine is called Gardasil-9 and protects against nine strains of the virus. If you have already been exposed to some strains of the virus it will only protect against the other ones. This is why it is best to get the vaccine earlier in life. However, older adults can find benefit and it is often still recommended.

If you were to access the vaccine through a local Public Health clinic they only provide it free until 26. For people over 26 it is approximately $200 per injection everywhere else and there are three in the series. However, our patients pay $0 in-person.

Online for convenience.

In-person when you need us.

Learn more about our walk-in and by appointment hours!

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is a viral infection that can cause inflammation of the liver. We screen for Hepatitis A, B and C once a year.

Hepatitis A is typically more associated with travelling and eating undercooked food, however it can be acquired through some sexual acts such as rimming. Hepatitis A can make a person quite sick however most people recover from it – it is not a lifelong infection.

Hepatitis B can be acquired a few ways including through sexual activity. In Ontario, Hepatitis B is part of routine immunization in school but some people either were never vaccinated, or their immunity has worn off. Most people who acquire Hepatitis B will recover from it, however in some people it can remain as a lifelong infection.

Hepatitis C can be acquired through blood exposure including shared drug use. It less commonly can be acquired through sexual activity. There is no available vaccine, although current treatment is highly effective.

Are Hepatitis vaccines free?

We also offer free Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations to all of our PrEP clinic patients at our in-person locations.

Alternatively, Hepatitis A and B vaccines can be accessed through your local Public Health Unit at no cost.

For people accessing our care online across Ontario, our team can also provide you with a prescription to get the vaccines done locally in your community.

Vaccines are provided only to patients with ongoing PrEP care at our clinic. First doses will be provided after lab result follow-up and initiation of PrEP. Subsequent vaccines will be provided dependent on ongoing lab testing and medication access.

Are there vaccine side effects?

Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and HPV vaccines are typically well tolerated. The most common side effects would be temporary local irritation or redness. Side effects that may be more common with some other vaccines such as fever or feeling unwell do not commonly occur with these three.

Get the Full-Service Care You Deserve!

Not getting comprehensive PrEP care including sexual health vaccines? Go with the clinic that puts people before profits and makes sure you always get the right care. Learn more about our online and in-person services today!