HPV vaccine | The sooner your child is immunised the better
September 15th, 2022
HPV is a very common virus
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus.
In most people, HPV is harmless; however for some people, infection by certain strains of the HPV virus can lead to HPV-related cancers.
But we can help protect our children with a vaccine
The good news is that there is a vaccine to help protect your child against HPV and HPV-related cancers.
Better still, it’s FREE^ for anyone aged 9 years and older.
Research has shown that the response to the vaccine is better in younger people. And immunisation is recommended before they have the chance to come in contact with the HPV virus.
Like the other vaccines they got as a child, the HPV vaccine works by causing the body to produce its own protection (virus-fighting antibodies) against HPV.
The vaccine has been clinically tested and shown to be effective in helping prevent HPV-related cancers from occurring, and is expected to offer long-lasting protection.
If you have high-school aged children, they can be immunised at a doctor’s clinic for FREE^
Schools will be scheduling FREE^ immunisations, so if your child is in Year 8, they can be immunised at school, and a visit to the doctor is not needed.
Who is eligible for free immunisation?
The HPV vaccine, GARDASIL®9, is funded for anyone aged 9 to 26 years. A charge applies for all others outside this age range.
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 my child?
The vaccine has been clinically tested and shown to be effective in helping prevent HPV-related cancers caused by the HPV types in the vaccine.
The vaccine is expected to offer long-lasting protection.
Why should my child get the HPV vaccine as soon as they 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?
For children 9 to 14 years of age:
- The vaccine is given as a series of 2 shots in the upper arm, with the second dose being given between 5 to 13 months after the first.
However if they get it when they are aged over 15 years old:
- 3 doses are required with the last dose recommended to be given 6 months after the first. All 3 doses should be given within a 1 year period.
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