Who is eligible for free immunisation?

The HPV vaccine, GARDASIL®9, is funded for males and females aged 9 to 26 years. A charge applies for all others outside this age range.

If you are 26 then you need to start your vaccine course before your 27th birthday to be eligible for FREE* immunisation (any of the two following shots that fall after your 27th birthday will still be free).

If I am older than 26 what does the vaccine cost?

The HPV vaccine costs around $200 per dose (course of three doses) but costs can vary between clinics.

How does the HPV vaccine work?

The vaccine works by causing the body to produce its own protection (virus-fighting antibodies) against the HPV types contained in the vaccine.

How long will the HPV vaccine protect me?

The vaccine has been clinically tested and shown to be effective in helping prevent HPV-related cancers caused by the nine HPV types in the vaccine. 

The vaccine is expected to offer long-lasting protection. 

Does the HPV vaccine have any side effects?

Like any vaccine, there can be side effects. The most common include pain, redness, swelling, itching and bruising at or around the injection-site as well as headache, fever, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. 

For the most part these reactions are mild and usually improve or disappear within a few days. If you are worried by any side effects, contact your doctor.

Why do I need to get the HPV vaccine as soon as I can?

To get the most benefit from the vaccine, immunisation should occur prior to exposure to any of the nine HPV virus types included in the vaccine.

How is the HPV vaccine given?

The vaccine is given to you through a series of three shots in the upper arm over a 6-12 month period (in those aged 15 years and older).

If I'm already sexually active, can I still benefit from the HPV vaccine?

If you have already been involved in sexual activity you may have already come into contact with HPV. However, you may also benefit from immunisation, since you may not  yet been exposed to all of the nine HPV types that are covered by the vaccine. 

How can you tell if you have HPV?

Sometimes people develop visible signs - that is, genital warts. Otherwise, most people who have HPV do not show signs or symptoms. This means that they can pass on the virus to others without knowing it.

An abnormal smear test may also show that you have HPV. If you don't know what a smear test is - ask your doctor or nurse… or google it.

Do condoms stop HPV?

HPV is found in certain areas of the skin that aren't always protected by condoms. So even if you are careful you can still catch the virus.

Should my partner be immunised too?

Yes, your partner should be immunised too.

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of developing HPV-related cancers, so if you are both protected with the HPV vaccine then you have the most protection.

Should I have the HPV vaccine if I have genital warts?

The HPV vaccine will help protect against new infections caused by the nine types contained in the vaccine. It cannot treat or prevent infections which you have already had.

What cancers can the HPV virus cause?

Research has shown that HPV infection is the main cause of a number of cancers including:

• cervical cancer

• vaginal cancer

• anal cancer