Final answer:
Ontario's HPV vaccination program offers Gardasil and Cervarix vaccines to prevent high-risk HPV infections related to several cancers, including cervical cancer, primarily targeting boys and girls before sexual activity begins. Regular Pap testing complements the vaccination program. The high cost of vaccine production poses a challenge to global access.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Ontario HPV vaccination program targets the prevention of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections, which are linked to various types of cancers, including cervical cancer. Since 2006, vaccines like Gardasil and Cervarix have been available to protect against high-risk HPV types. Gardasil covers HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18, as well as an additional five high-risk types (31, 33, 45, 52, and 58) in the updated Gardasil 9. Cervarix includes HPV types 16 and 18. These vaccines are recommended for both boys and girls before the onset of sexual activity, usually starting at ages nine to fifteen.
Despite the benefits, the high cost of manufacturing the vaccines has limited widespread global access. Nevertheless, the impact of vaccination has been significant, reducing the rates of HPV infection by at least half for the targeted strains. Alongside vaccination, regular Pap testing is advisable to detect and treat abnormal cells early to prevent cervical cancer. It is crucial for even vaccinated individuals to continue Pap smears to reduce the small risk that persists of developing cervical cancer.