Background
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine used in Australia is called Gardasil®9 and protects against nine types of HPV that cause almost all cervical cancers, other HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
It was introduced to the National Immunisation Program in 2007 and since then, it has contributed to significantly reducing the number of HPV infections, genital warts and pre-cancers of the cervix in Australia. 1
This, coupled with the National Cervical Screening Program that was established in 1991, has put Australia on track to be one of the first places in the world to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2035. 2
To achieve this ambitious goal, Australia’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy has outlined a target of 90 per cent HPV vaccination coverage for 15-year-old boys and girls by 2030. However, repercussions of COVID-19 school lockdowns and other health-related barriers associated with the pandemic has seen us moving further away from this target, with HPV vaccination rates dropping across the country.
In Victoria, from 2020 to 2022 we have seen a slight decline in HPV vaccination one-dose coverage in Victoria, decreasing from 88.2 per cent to 86.8 per cent for 15-year-old girls and from 86.2 per cent to 84.2 per cent for 15-year-old boys. 3,4 Concerningly, these HPV vaccination coverage declines are much larger in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations over the same time period.
Maintaining HPV vaccine coverage is critical to bring us closer to our goal of cervical cancer elimination and to ensure all Victorians have the best protection against HPV and preventable HPV-related diseases in the future.
About HPV and the HPV vaccine
HPV stands for human papillomavirus. It is a common sexually transmitted infection which usually causes no symptoms and goes away by itself. However, some types of HPV can sometimes cause serious diseases, including cancer.
The HPV vaccine protects against seven types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers and other HPV-related cancers, and two types of HPV that cause almost all cases of genital warts.
Australian children aged 12 to 13 are routinely offered the HPV vaccine through school-based programs. The vaccine is free under the Australian Immunisation Program for Australians aged 12 to 25. Most people only require one dose of the vaccine.
For more information about HPV and the HPV vaccine, visit hpvvaccine.org.au.
Key messages
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The HPV vaccine is safe, effective and protects against cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers and diseases.
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The HPV vaccine can protect against nine types of HPV that cause almost all cervical cancers, other HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
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Australian children aged 12 to 13 are offered the free HPV vaccine through school-based immunisation programs.
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Most people only require one dose of the HPV vaccine. People who are immunocompromised may need to have three doses.
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Protect your child against HPV-related diseases and make sure your child’s consent form has been returned in time for vaccination day.
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If your child has missed their HPV vaccination in school, it’s important they catch up as soon as possible. You can arrange a free catch-up dose at your local council immunisation service, doctor or at some pharmacies.
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Visit hpvvaccine.org.au, for more information.
How you can help
Share these campaign messages through your networks to increase HPV vaccination rates and save lives. We appreciate your support.
You can also download our new graphics and don’t forget to tag us: @CancerVic
Social media tiles
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Social media posts
It’s important that all children are given the best protection against human papillomavirus (HPV), which means receiving the HPV vaccine when they’re young.
Is your child due for their HPV vaccine? Cancer Council’s HPV website has all the information you need about HPV and the HPV vaccine for you and your family. Find out more: www.hpvvaccine.org.au
Children aged 12 to 13 will soon be receiving their human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination at school. The HPV vaccine is safe, effective and protects against cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.
Find reliable information about HPV and the HPV vaccine for you and your family at Cancer Council’s dedicated website: www.hpvvaccine.org.au
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects against nine types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers, other HPV-related cancers and almost all cases of genital warts. Learn more about HPV and the HPV vaccine at: www.hpvvaccine.org.au
Australian children aged 12 to 13 are offered the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for free through school-based programs. Make sure your child’s consent form has been returned in time for vaccination day. For more information about HPV and the HPV vaccine, visit: www.hpvvaccine.org.au
Newsletter copy
Shorter version
Is your child due for their human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine this year?
The HPV vaccine protects against nine types of HPV that cause almost all cases of cervical cancer, other HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
In Australia, the HPV vaccine is provided for free to children aged 12 to 13 through school-based programs. Most children only require one dose of the vaccine.
Make sure your child’s consent form has been returned in time for vaccination day so they are protected against HPV-related diseases in the future.
Find more information and resources on the HPV vaccine, visit: www.hpvvaccine.org.au.
Longer version
Protect your child against HPV-related diseases in the future
Is your child due for their human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine this year?
The HPV vaccine protects against nine types of HPV that cause almost all cases of cervical cancer, other HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
HPV is a very common sexually transmitted virus that eight out of ten people will get in their lifetime. The HPV vaccine is most effective when given at a younger age, prior to sexual activity.
In Australia, the HPV vaccine is provided for free to children aged 12 to 13 through school-based programs. Most children only require one dose of the vaccine, however people who are immunocompromised will still require three doses.
Make sure your child’s consent form has been returned in time for vaccination day so they are protected against HPV-related diseases in the future.
Find more information and resources on the HPV vaccine, visit: www.hpvvaccine.org.au.
Video for teens
This video provides simple information on the HPV vaccine to help teens understand why it is important and to help get them ready for vaccination day.
Share this video with your networks to help parents and carers, teachers and health professionals to prepare children to receive the vaccine.
HPV vaccination for children with disability resources
To help improve the HPV vaccination experience for children with disability, with funding provided by the Victorian Department of Health, Cancer Council Victoria in consultation with Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Scope Australia, has developed new resources to support parents and carers prepare their children.
Access the resources
1. Patel C, Brotherton JM, Pillsbury A, Jayasinghe S, Donovan B, Macartney K, Marshall H. The impact of 10 years of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in Australia: what additional disease burden will a nonavalent vaccine prevent? Euro Surveill. 2018 Oct;23(41).
2. Hall MT, Simms KT, Lew JB, Smith MA, Brotherton JML, Saville M. (2019). The projected timeframe until cervical cancer elimination in Australia: A modelling study. The Lancet Public Health:4(1);E19-E27.
3. Hull, B, Hendry A, Dey A, Brotherton J, Macartney K, Beard F. (2022). Annual Immunisation Coverage Report 2021. National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance. Australia. Available at: https://ncirs.org.au/reports
4. Hull, B, Hendry A, Dey A, Brotherton J, Macartney K, Beard F. (2023). Annual Immunisation Coverage Report 2022. National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance. Australia. Available at: https://ncirs.org.au/reports