This vaccine helps protect against two types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that cause most cases of cervical cancer.
CERVARIX is listed under Health Canada DIN 02342227. The product record and monograph below describe this formulation; the dose schedule comes from the Canadian Immunization Guide.
At a glance
Brand
CERVARIX
DIN
02342227
Vaccine
Bivalent HPV L1 protein (types 16, 18)
Presentation
0.5 mL · suspension · intramuscular · females 9 to 45 years
Live vaccine
No
Age and suitability depend on the product, the person and the reason for vaccination. Use the planner for a starting point and confirm with a healthcare professional.
Official sources
Use the DIN to confirm this exact product in Health Canada's Drug Product Database.
A listed product may not be stocked or publicly funded.
Before and after your vaccination
Bring your immunization record if you have one, so earlier doses can be checked.
Tell the healthcare professional about a serious reaction to a previous vaccine or an ingredient, and mention any health conditions or medicines that could affect your vaccination.
After the dose, stay where you can be observed for at least 15 minutes. Tell someone right away if you feel faint or develop symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Keep a record of the vaccine name, date and dose you received.
The details below are adapted from a Pharmasist patient handout linked to the same product monograph. The current Canadian Immunization Guide determines the dose schedules shown later.
What this vaccine helps prevent
This vaccine helps protect against two types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that cause most cases of cervical cancer.
It also helps protect against certain precancerous changes in the cervix.
What to mention before a dose
Tell your healthcare professional about any allergies, especially to a previous dose of this vaccine or any of its ingredients.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have a weakened immune system or take medicines that suppress your immune system.
This vaccine should be postponed if you currently have a high fever or feel very unwell; a mild cold is not a reason to delay it.
How it is given
This vaccine is given as an injection into the muscle of your upper arm by a healthcare professional.
You do not need to do anything special to prepare; there is no food or fasting requirement for this injection.
Important things to know
This vaccine does not treat an HPV infection or cervical cancer you already have. It only helps prevent future infection with the HPV types it covers.
This vaccine does not protect against every type of HPV, so continue having regular cervical cancer screening as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Effects you may notice
Your arm may be sore, red, or swollen where you got the injection.
You may feel tired.
You may get a headache.
You may have muscle or joint aches.
You may feel sick to your stomach, throw up, or have diarrhea or belly pain.
You may have a mild fever.
You may get hives or itching.
You may feel dizzy.
You may have a sore throat or symptoms of a cold.
When to contact a healthcare professional
Contact your healthcare professional if you feel faint, dizzy, or lightheaded in the days after your injection.
Contact your healthcare professional if the injection site becomes very swollen, very painful, or does not improve after a few days.
Contact your healthcare professional if you develop a widespread rash or unusual skin reaction.
When to get emergency help
Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing, swelling of your face or throat, or a rash that spreads quickly after the injection, as this can mean a severe allergic reaction.
Get emergency help if you faint and do not wake up quickly, especially if you also have jerking movements.
Other medicines and vaccines
There are no known food or alcohol interactions with this vaccine.
Tell your healthcare provider about any other vaccines or medicines you are taking so they can be given safely at the same visit if appropriate.
Key points to remember
Sit or lie down for about 15 minutes after your injection in case you feel faint.
Keep a record of which doses you have received and when your next dose is due.
These are Canadian Immunization Guide schedules associated with this DIN. The right schedule depends on age, health, prior doses and reason for vaccination. Public health recommendations may differ from a product monograph's authorized schedule.
HPV (CERVARIX, bivalent) — three doses
3 doses
Three doses of bivalent HPV vaccine at months 0, 1 and 6.
CERVARIX (HPV2) is authorized for females 9 to 45 years of age. The 9-valent vaccine is the preferred product in Canada; use this schedule only when CERVARIX is the product actually given or the series was started on it.
Family guidance on pregnancy: Can be offered in pregnancy; it is usually deferred until after, and a dose given before pregnancy was known is not a concern.
Family guidance on breastfeeding: Use if indicated.
General information only. A suggested date is not an appointment or a prescription; a healthcare professional confirms what you need. Clinical rules reviewed on 2026-09-27.