What is the HPV vaccine?
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects against nine types of HPV that are responsible for most HPV-related cancers and diseases including cervical, anal, vaginal, penile and throat cancers, as well as genital warts.
Learn more about the HPV vaccine
When should my child get the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is recommended and free for Australians aged 12 to 25 years of age, regardless of their gender.
The HPV vaccine is offered to all Australian children aged 12 to 13 at school through the Secondary School Immunisation Program as part of the National Immunisation Program.
HPV is very common and the vaccine is more effective when given at a younger age before exposure to the virus. This means before a person becomes sexually active.
Some people who are immunocompromised may be recommended by their doctor to have the HPV vaccine at an earlier age.
How do I check if my child has had the HPV vaccine?
You can check if your child has had the HPV vaccine through their Immunisation History Statement in your Medicare online account through MyGov or by contacting the Australian Immunisation Register. You can also check with your doctor or local council immunisation service.
Children aged 14 and over must access their own Immunisation History Statement or they can give consent for their parent or carer to access it on their behalf.
There are detailed instructions on how to find your Immunisation History Statement on the Services Australia website.
How can my child get the vaccine?
If your child missed out on getting the HPV vaccine, it's important they catch up as soon as possible. You can book a catch-up appointment with your doctor, local council immunisation service, or at some pharmacies.
Learn more about how to catch up on a missed vaccine
How much does the HPV vaccine cost?
The HPV vaccine is free and recommended for all Australians aged between 12 and 25 years of age under Medicare.
You may need to pay an appointment consultation fee to have the vaccine. It’s best to call ahead and check.
Do males need to get the HPV vaccine?
Yes, HPV affects people of all genders. In males, HPV can cause genital warts and cancers of the penis, anus and the mouth/throat.
It’s important that everyone eligible gets the HPV vaccine when they are due to protect themselves and future sexual partners against HPV-related cancers and diseases.
Learn more about HPV in men
How many doses of the HPV vaccine are needed?
Most people aged between 12 and 25 now only need one dose of the HPV vaccine unless they are immunocompromised.
Immunocompromised people may need three doses of the HPV vaccine. Talk to your immunisation provider to find out more.
Is the HPV vaccine safe?
The HPV vaccine is safe and rigorously tested. It has been offered under Australia’s National Immunisation Program since 2007 and the use of the HPV vaccine has never been stopped or suspended in Australia.
Learn more about the safety and side effects of the HPV vaccine
How can I prepare my child for the HPV vaccine?
Vaccinations may make some children nervous or worried. Learn how you can prepare your child for their HPV vaccine and how to explain how it protects their health for the future on the Preparing children for HPV vaccinations webpage.
If your child has a disability, you can learn how to support them on the HPV vaccination for children with disabilities webpage.