How do I know if I or my child has had the HPV vaccine?
HPV immunisations are included in a person’s Immunisation History Statement recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). You can access an Immunisation History Statement online using your Medicare online account through MyGov. View the instructions.
Alternatively, you can:
- ask your vaccination provider to print a copy for you from the AIR site
- call the AIR on 1800 653 809 (8am–5pm, Monday to Friday) and request a copy to be mailed to you (this can take up to 10 business days)
- ask your general practitioner or immunisation provider to access statements on the AIR.
Parents and guardians can only access their child’s Immunisation History Statement if the child is under 14 years of age. If they are 14 years of age or over, a child must access their own Immunisation History Statement or give you their consent to access their Immunisation History Statement.
What if I or my child missed out on the vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is more effective when given at a younger age. If you or your child missed out on getting the HPV vaccine, it's important to “catch up” as soon as possible. Australians aged 12 to 25 can catch up for free at their local council immunisation provider, doctor or some pharmacies.
In some cases, people aged 26 or older may benefit from getting the HPV vaccine, however you may need to pay for it. If you are over the age of 25 and would like to get the vaccine, speak to your doctor.
Where can I get the HPV vaccine?
If you or your child has missed out on the HPV vaccine, there are several ways you can catch up.
HPV vaccination providers will differ slightly depending on where you live in Australia, however you can generally access HPV vaccinations from the below immunisation providers:
- Local council or Public Health Unit immunisation services: contact your local service to find out more.
- Your GP or nurse immuniser: this will require an appointment to be made. Australians aged 12 to 25 can receive the vaccine for free under the National Immunisation Program. The GP or nurse immuniser may charge an appointment fee.
- A pharmacist immuniser: pharmacist immunisers are registered pharmacists with extra training that allows them to give some vaccines to some groups. In some states and territories, they can provide HPV vaccinations to people aged 12 years and older. Speak to your local pharmacist to see if they offer this service. Appointment fees may apply.
Contact your State or Territory health department for more information about HPV vaccination near you. Please refer to the table below to find out how the program is delivered in your state or territory.
| State/Territory |
More information
|
| ACT |
ACT Health Immunisation
Contact the Immunisation Unit at ACT Health by calling 02 5124 9800
Email: immunisation@act.gov.au |
| NSW |
New South Wales Health
Contact your local Public Health Unit by calling 1300 066 055
Or visit: NSW School Vaccination Program |
| NT |
Northern Territory Health
Contact the Immunisation Unit, Centre for Disease Control (Darwin) by calling 08 8922 8315
Or visit: nt.gov.au/wellbeing/healthy-living/immunisation
Email: Immunisation.Program.TEHS@nt.gov.au |
| QLD |
Queensland Health
Contact Queensland Health by calling 13 HEALTH (13 432 584)
Email: immunisation@health.qld.gov.au |
| SA |
South Australian Health
Contact the Immunisation Section of the Communicable Disease Control Branch by calling 1300 232 272
Email: healthimmunisation@sa.gov.au |
| TAS |
Tasmanian Health
Contact the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline by calling 1800 671 738
Email: immunisation@health.tas.gov.au |
| VIC |
Victorian Department of Health Immunisation Unit
Email: immunisation@health.vic.gov.au
Or visit: Better Health Channel |
| WA |
Healthy WA
Contact the Central Immunisation Clinic by calling 08 9321 1312
Email: centimm@health.wa.gov.au |
How many doses of the HPV vaccine are needed?
The HPV vaccination schedule in Australia recommends:
- a single dose of HPV vaccine for people aged 9 to 25 years unless they are immunocompromised.
- three doses of HPV vaccine for some immunocompromised people, with an interval of two months between dose one and two, and four months between dose two and three.
In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Association has approved Gardasil ®9 for use in females aged 9 to 45 and in males aged 9 to 26. The HPV vaccination is free for Australians aged 12 to 25.
How much does the HPV vaccine cost?
Australians aged 12 to 25 can receive the HPV vaccine for free under the National Immunisation Program.
Australian children aged 12 to 13 are offered the free HPV vaccine through the National Immunisation Program’s school-based program.
Please note that while the HPV vaccine is free of charge to eligible people, consultation fees may apply. Speak to your GP, pharmacist, local council, or other immunisation provider to check if there are consultation-related fees.
If you're 26 or older, or not eligible for Medicare, you may need to pay for the HPV vaccine. Prices vary depending on where you get the vaccine. Speak to your immunisation provider to find out more.
What if I'm an international student?
If you’re an international student, your Overseas Student Health Cover may cover some of the cost of the HPV vaccine. It’s important to contact your insurance provider and your immunisation provider to discuss what costs are involved and how much is covered. Find out more about Overseas Student Health Cover and sexual health services in New South Wales and Victoria.