Girls in B.C. elementary schools could receive a controversial vaccine aimed at fighting human papilloma virus (HPV) as soon as the coming school year.

B.C. was not expected to start vaccinating children until 2008, but Health Minister George Abbott has told CBC News that could change when he receives final advice from provincial health officer, Dr. Perry Kendall.

A course of the vaccine Gardasil, developed by Merck Frosst Canada Ltd., costs $404.
(Associated Press)

A Health Canada advisory committee has yet to table its report on how best to implement a national immunization program. But Nova Scotia and Ontario have already decided to go ahead this fall with programs to vaccinate girls in Grades 6 and 7.

Abbott said B.C. may follow suit.

"Dr. Kendall and his team are now looking at a comprehensive implementation strategy for the Province of British Columbia," he said. "That may or may not involve some vaccination program during the coming school year."

The vaccine, which protects against some strains of HPV, has been approved for use in Canada for girls as young as nine. The vaccine has been widely welcomed by public health officials in Canada, but remains controversial. 

In the Canadian Medical Association Journal last week, epidemiologist Dr. Abby Lippman warned against rushing into immunization of young girls.

HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause genital warts and, in rare cases, lead to cervical cancer. Lippman's concern is that the vaccine could give girls and women a false message that they don't have to practise safe sex or continue to have pap smears.

Abbott said he shares those concerns.

"This needs to be accompanied by an education program to ensure people understand that it is not a single magic bullet," he said.

An announcement may come from Abbott as early as this fall, when Kendall is expected to table his report.