How to get the HPV vaccine

Most Australians who are eligible for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine receive it through school-based vaccination programs. However, some people may have missed out on being vaccinated for HPV for several reasons.

This page outlines how many doses you need, how you can check vaccination status and where you can have an HPV vaccination.

How many doses of the HPV vaccine are needed?

The vaccine works best when given at a younger age. Research shows that younger people create more antibodies to the vaccine than those aged in their late teenage years.

In February 2023, Australia changed its schedule for the HPV vaccine Gardasil ®9 on the National Immunisation Program from two doses of vaccine to a single dose for most people. 

This change is based on advice from Australia’s immunisation experts, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), that have considered the  large volume of international clinical evidence to support a single dose providing comparable protection as two doses for most people.   

Information

The updated HPV vaccination schedule in Australia now 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.

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 has missed out on getting their HPV vaccine, it's important to “catch up” as soon as possible. Australians aged 12 to 25 can catch up for free at the doctors, pharmacy or local immunisation clinic.

Keeping your child’s immunisations up-to-date is the responsibility of parents/carers. You may be reminded about HPV vaccination by your local council or public health unit immunisation service or your child’s school.

How can I check my own or my child’s HPV vaccination status?

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.

Where can I get an HPV vaccination?

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  School program  More information
ACT Year 7 ACT Health Immunisation 
Contact the Immunisation Unit at ACT Health by calling 02 5124 9800
Email: immunisation@act.gov.au
NSW Year 7 New South Wales Health 
Contact your local Public Health Unit by calling 1300 066 055
NT Year 7

Northern Territory Health
Contact your local Public Health Unit
Or contact the Centre for Disease Control (Darwin) by calling: 1800 008 002

QLD Year 7

Queensland Health
Contact Queensland Health by calling: 07 3328 9888
Email:  immunisation@health.qld.gov.au

SA

Year 7

South Australian Health
Contact the SA Health Communicable Disease Control Branch by calling 1300 232 272
TAS Year 7 Tasmanian Health
Contact the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline by calling 1800 671 738
VIC Year 7

Victorian Department of Health Immunisation Unit
Email: immunisation@health.vic.gov.au
Or visit: Better Health Channel  

WA Year 7

Healthy WA
Contact the Central Immunisation Clinic by calling 08 9321 1312
Email: centimm@health.wa.gov.au

How much does the HPV vaccine cost?

Australians aged 12 to 25 can receive the HPV vaccine for free under the National Immunisation Program. If you are 26 or older, or do not have a Medicare card, you may need to pay for the HPV vaccine.

Australian children aged about 12 to 13 are offered the HPV vaccine for free through the National Immunisation Program’s school-based program.

Please note that while the 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.

Where to next?