HPV Message for a Multicultural Australia

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PDF printable version of HPV Message for a Multicultural Australia (PDF 171 KB)

19 February 2013

Australian school boys can now be protected against cancers and disease caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), under a new program launched by the Minister for Health, Tanya Plibersek.

From February 2013, Australian boys aged 12-13 years can get vaccinated in schools with the consent of a parent or guardian. There will also be a catch-up program for boys aged 14-15 years during 2013 and 2014.

Ms Plibersek said the boys will join more than one million girls aged 12-16 years who have already been fully vaccinated since the free HPV school vaccination program started in 2007. Over 280,000 boys will be eligible for the vaccine this year.

“Australia is a world-leader in immunisation,” Ms Plibersek said. “We were the first country to provide a free national HPV vaccination program for girls, and today we have become the first country to provide a free national HPV vaccination program for boys.

“Vaccination is the best protection we have against HPV, a virus that will infect four out of five people at some point in their lives and is linked to cancer and disease.

“The vaccine has already resulted in a significant reduction in HPV-related infections in young women, and a reduced incidence of genital warts in males and females. We’re confident that extending the program to males will mean less HPV-related cancers and disease in the future.”

The Australian Government is working with states and territories to make sure that all families and communities get the information they need about the new HPV vaccination program.

Promotional material about the vaccination program has been translated into 21 different languages. This includes noting that the vaccine is Halal certified for relevant cultural groups.

“We want all Australians to know as much as they can about HPV, why they should get vaccinated, and how the program will help stop boys and girls getting HPV-related cancers and disease later in life.” Ms Plibersek said.

For optimal protection against HPV-related cancers and disease, three doses are required over a six month period.

Boys and girls in the age group will start to have their first vaccination this month, with follow up doses from April and August.

The translated materials can be found on the HPV website.