Prince Edward Island is expanding a controversial immunization program this year to protect more school-aged girls from a sexually transmitted disease — and cervical cancer.

For the last two years, Grade 6 girls have received the vaccine for genital human papillomavirus (HPV), a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease. This fall, the vaccine will be offered to Grade 9 girls to catch them before they enter high school.

"We know that HPV causes cervical cancer, or is linked to high risk of cervical cancer, and higher rates of genital warts," said Dr. Heather Morrison, chief health officer.

"Certainly we would like to get young girls before they go into high school and may start some sexual activity."

Cervical cancer affects about seven women a year on P.E.I.

Although boys can also get the virus, the vaccine is not yet licensed in Canada for them.

It's up to parents and girls to decide whether they want the vaccine, which involves three shots throughout the school year. Consent forms were sent home with students this week.

Program a success

P.E.I. has one of the highest participation rates for HPV vaccinations in the country at about 80 per cent. Only Newfoundland and Labrador ranked higher.

The vaccine was controversial when it first came out a couple of years ago because some parents thought it might encourage girls to be sexually active. But there's no evidence of that happening, said Morrison.

Health officials continue to monitor the program, she said. This is the only year the vaccine will be offered to Grade 9 girls.

The vaccine is also available at a cost through family doctors.

The vaccine protects against some of the 100 types of HPV, but not all of them, so an annual pap test is still recommended for women.

It's estimated 75 per cent of Canadians will have at least one HPV infection during their lifetime.