The British Columbia government is offering women born between 1991 and 1993 a vaccination program to protect them from cervical cancer.
Provincial health officer Dr. Perry Kendall says the plan expands on a school-based HPV vaccination program that's been running since 2008.
He says the $3.5-million program will ensure that all B.C. women aged 21 and under will be able to get the shot from pharmacists, doctors, public health units and university and college health services.
The vaccine will be available starting next week and will be provided in a series of three doses during the next six months.
Women who aren't in the eligible age range have the option of consulting with their doctor or pharmacist about buying the vaccine.
HPV infections cause almost all cervical cancers and it's estimated the vaccine can prevent up to 70 per cent of them, although women are encouraged to continue getting regular pap smears.
