What is HPV and how is it spread?
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus that affects men and women. It spreads through genital contact during sex with someone who has the virus. The virus enters through tiny breaks in the skin and does not spread through blood or other body fluids. Condoms give limited protection because they don’t cover all the genital skin.
Not all HPV types cause symptoms. Many people with HPV do not know they have it.
Some HPV types cause warts on the body, including the genitals (vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, anus, and perineum). Warts are usually painless but may itch or feel uncomfortable. These types are called “low-risk” because they do not cause cancer.
Other HPV types, called “high-risk,” can cause abnormal cells to grow. These cells can turn into cancer if not treated.
High-risk HPV causes:
- almost all cases of cervical cancer
- 90% of anal cancers
- 78% of vaginal cancers
- 60% of oropharyngeal cancers (cancers of the back of the throat)
- 25% of vulva cancers
- 50% of penile cancers
- almost all cases of genital warts.
Vaccinating males prevents cancers and warts in males and helps protect females from cervical cancer.
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines work by triggering the immune system to fight certain infections. If a vaccinated person comes into contact with these infections, their immune system is able to respond more effectively, preventing the disease developing or greatly reducing its severity. Vaccines help your immune system fight infections. If a vaccinated person gets exposed to these infections, their immune system can fight it better, either preventing the disease developing or making it less severe.
Which vaccine will be used?
The HPV vaccine that protects against 9 types of HPV: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58.
How many doses of the HPV vaccine needed?
Research shows one dose of the HPV vaccine gives the same protection as two doses. Based on this, Australia now uses a one-dose schedule.
Some adolescents with weak immune systems need three doses. They should get the second dose 2 months after the first, and the third dose 4 months after the second.
People with weak immune systems include those with:
- immune system disorders
- HIV
- cancer
- organ transplants
- autoimmune diseases
- strong immunosuppressive therapy (but not spleen issues).
What if my child already had one dose?
If your child already had one dose, they do not need a second. They are fully vaccinated.
Vaccinated women still need regular cervical screening (formerly Pap smears). The HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV. Women aged 25+ should have a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years, even if vaccinated.
Who should get the HPV vaccine?
All Year 7 students or children 12 years and older should get one dose of the HPV vaccine.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends HPV vaccination for specific groups including:
- younger people aged 9 to 25
- people with significant immunocompromising conditions
- men who have sex with men.
- People under 26 can get the missed HPV vaccine free. This is if they did not receive the vaccine at school.
Who should not be vaccinated?
HPV vaccine should not be given to people who:
How effective is the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine protects against high-risk HPV types that cause over 90% of cervical cancers in women. It also protects against other HPV types that cause cancers in men.
Studies show that the vaccine offers nearly 100% protection even 10 years after vaccination. Since the vaccine program started, there have been:
- 50% fewer high-grade cervical abnormalities in vaccinated age groups
- 90% fewer cases of genital warts in young people under 21.
Cervical cancer develops over 10+ years, so the vaccine’s full effect on cervical cancer rates will take time to show. The rate of cervical cancer has already dropped significantly due to the National Cervical Screening Program (started in 1991) and the HPV vaccine program (started in 2007).
What is in the HPV vaccine contain?
The HPV vaccine contains yeast, aluminium adjuvant, sodium chloride, L-histidine, polysorbate, and sodium borate. These are included in tiny amounts to help the vaccine work or preserve it.
How safe are vaccines?
Vaccines used in Australia are safe. They must pass strict safety tests before approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The TGA also monitors the safety of vaccines once they are in use.
What are the side effects of vaccination?
Side effects are commonly mild, such as pain,
swelling, or redness where the shot was given. These usually go away in a few days. Serious side effects are very rare. For more information about side effects, check the Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) at NSW School Vaccination Program. Parents concerned about side effects after vaccination should contact their GP who should also make a report to the local public health unit.
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause unconsciousness or death if not treated quickly.
It is very rare after vaccination. Vaccine providers are trained to treat anaphylaxis if it happens.
What if I wait until my child is older?
HPV vaccination works best before a child is exposed to the virus. Vaccines can only be given at school if you return the signed consent form while your child is still in school. If you wait, you will need to arrange vaccination with a GP or pharmacist.
Will my daughter still need cervical screening?
Yes. Vaccinated women still need regular cervical screening (formerly Pap smears). The HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer.
Women aged 25 and older, who have ever been sexually active, should have a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years, even if vaccinated.
Who can give consent for vaccination?
Parents or guardians must give consent for students under 18. Students aged 18 and over can give their own consent by completing and signing the Consent Form where it says ‘Parent/Guardian.’ You can withdraw consent at any time. To do this, send a written note to the school or call the school to let them know.
Should a pregnant student get the HPV vaccine?
No. A student who is pregnant or thinks she might be should not get the vaccine.
On vaccination day, nurses will ask female students if they are or might be pregnant. If the student says yes, she will not be vaccinated. She will be advised to talk with her parent or guardian and see a doctor.
The student will also receive contact details for a support service.
What if my child missed the vaccine due to illness or absence?
If your child missed their HPV vaccine at school, arrange a catch-up vaccination as soon as possible.
Some schools will offer catch-up clinics. Otherwise, contact your GP or pharmacist to schedule the vaccine.
How can I access a record of the vaccinations?
Your child’s vaccination record will be added to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
Parents can request a copy of the Immunisation History Statement for children under 14. Students aged 14 and over can request their own record. You can access it:
What will happen to my child’s information?
The information you provide on the Consent Form is kept private under NSW and Commonwealth laws. It will be added to the NSW Health immunisation register and the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
For female students, signing the Consent Form also means you agree to link your child’s vaccination record to the National Cervical Screening Program Register in the future.
Where can I find more information about school vaccination?
You can find more details:
