Changes to HPV immunisation

Routine immunisation of young people for human papillomavirus, HPV, is changing under the National Immunisation Program.

Australian young people will now only require one dose of Gardasil®9 HPV vaccine, not two.

A free catch-up program for young people who have missed a vaccination has been extended from the current 19 years of age to people under 26 years of age.

Young people, except those who are immunocompromised, who receive a single dose before 26 years of age are now considered fully vaccinated.

Health Minister Mark Butler said many people would be happy to only receive one jab.

“A single dose is considered by the experts to be just as effective in preventing HPV infection,” he said.

“This will make it easier to protect young people from the range of cancers and diseases caused by HPV and help eliminate cervical cancer in Australia.

“If you’re 20 to 26 years-old and haven’t had a HPV vaccine and you’re now funded to catch up, now is the time to get the jab and protect yourself.”

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, World Health Organisation immunisation expert group and United Kingdom’s immunisation expert group are supporting the change.

The HPV vaccine is delivered free through school immunisation programs for children aged 12 to 13.

Catch-up vaccination is provided through immunisation clinics at schools or through a general practitioner, community pharmacy or other primary care providers.

HPV is a common virus that is primarily spread through sexual contact. Infection can cause cancers and other conditions that lead to serious health consequences in people of all genders.

Almost all cervical cancers are linked to HPV infection, with the vaccine also protecting against genital warts and Hpv-related genital, anal and oropharyngeal cancers.