Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Information about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Immunisation Program funded under the Immunise Australia Program.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name for a group of viruses that cause skin warts, genital warts and some cancers. Many different types of HPV can affect different parts of the body. Some of these types can infect the genital area. Warts on other parts of the body, such as the hands, are caused by different HPV types.
HPV types that can cause genital warts or cervical cancer can be spread by direct, skin-to-skin contact during all types of sexual activity with a person who has the virus. Anyone who has ever had sexual contact could have HPV – it is so common that four in five people will have had genital HPV infection at some time in their lives. That’s why it is important to vaccinate girls before they have been exposed to the virus - before they have had any sexual contact.
Most genital infections with HPV do not cause any symptoms and people do not know they have the infection. HPV infection caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 is vaccine preventable. Types 16 and 18 are linked with cervical cancer. Types 6 and 11 are associated with genital warts.
Regular Pap smears are still essential because the HPV vaccine does not prevent all cervical cancers. Pap smears detect abnormal changes to cells in the cervix so treatment can start before cancer develops. The current cervical screening recommendations are that women should have a Pap smear every two years from the age of 18 or two years after having sex, whichever is later.
HPV Vaccination program:
On 29 November 2006, the Australian Government announced funding for a HPV vaccination program. The HPV vaccination program is listed on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule and funded under the Immunise Australia Program. It is made up of two components; an ongoing school-based program and a time-limited catch-up program delivered through schools , general practices and community immunisation services.School-based program:
HPV vaccine is provided to 12-13 year old girls in the first year of secondary school. If you want your daughter to participate in the vaccination program, you will need to give your consent. Your daughter will bring a parental consent form home from school for you to sign. For more information about the School-based program, contact your daughter’s school or your State or Territory Health Department.Catch-up program:
The catch-up program is made up of two components; a school-based program and a community-based program.The school-based catch-up program for 12-13 to 18 year old girls ceased at the end of the school year in 2008.
HPV vaccine under the community-based catch-up program is available through general practice and community immunisation services for:
- 12-13* to 18 year old girls who have not completed their course at school; and
- 18 to 26 year old women.
* Note: Eligibility is from the age of the first year of secondary school in a State or Territory. It may be 12 or 13 years old.
The community-base catch-up program is finished. Eligible women who have already started their course must complete their second and third dose by 31 December 2009.
Visit your local doctor or immunisation provider to receive the HPV immunisation. It is important to note the vaccine is provided at no cost, however, a consultation fee may apply. For more information about the Community-based catch-up program, contact your State or Territory Health Department.
A course of three doses of vaccine is given, usually over a 6 month period. Immunisation against HPV is achieved using single-disease vaccines. For technical information or information about the vaccine, refer to the HPV section of the Australian Immunisation Handbook 9th Edition 2008 (NHMRC).
The National HPV Vaccination Program Register
The National HPV Vaccination Program Register (HPV Register) collects data to evaluate the impact of the HPV Vaccination Program on cervical cancer rates, to issue reminders if the course is incomplete, to issue confirmation the course is complete and to contact vaccine recipients if booster doses are required.Information is not sought about your sexual history. Personal details will be kept confidential. You can decline having your details included in the HPV Register, however it will then not be possible to contact you about missed or booster doses.
For further information visit the HPV Register website or call 1800 478 734.
Page last modified: 10 August, 2009