HPV (also called human papillomavirus) is a viral infection that is sexually transmitted. It can cause cancers and genital warts.
Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect you from HPV.
Watch the video that explains the benefits of receiving the HPV vaccine.
Who should get vaccinated against HPV
Anyone who wants to protect themselves against HPV can talk to their vaccination provider about getting vaccinated.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends HPV vaccination for:
- younger people aged 9 to 25
- people with significant immunocompromising conditions
- men who have sex with men.
Under the National Immunisation Program HVP is free for:
- adolesents aged approximately 12 to 13
- people over 12 years to under 26 years with specified medical risk conditions
Young people who missed their HPV vaccination at 12 to 13 years of age can catch up for free up to age 26.
HPV vaccines should not be given to:
- people who have had anaphylaxis after a previous dose of any HPV vaccine or anaphylaxis after any component of an HPV vaccine
- people who have had anaphylaxis to yeast (for 9vHPV).
HPV vaccines are not recommended for pregnant women. Breastfeeding woman can receive HPV vaccines.
Read more about Getting vaccinated and Immunisation for adolescents.
How to get vaccinated against HPV
HPV vaccines come as a single vaccine, not as a combination vaccine.
HPV vaccines include:
*Indicates National Immunisation Program vaccine.
Your vaccination provider will tell you which vaccine they will give you.
Find product information and consumer medicine information for each available vaccine from the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Under the NIP:
- a single dose of Gardasil®9 is funded for adolescents aged 12 to 13 years
- 3 doses of Gardasil®9 are funded for people aged over 12 years and under 26 years with specified medical risk conditions.
Where to get vaccinated
The HPV vaccine is primarily delivered through school-based vaccination programs in Year 7.
You can get your vaccine from a range of vaccination providers. Find out where and more about your vaccination visit at getting vaccinated.
See also Immunisation for adolescents.
Possible side effects of HPV vaccination
You may experience minor side effects following vaccination. Most reactions are mild and last no more than a couple of days and you will recover without any problems.
Common side effects of HPV vaccines include:
- pain, redness and swelling at injection site
- mild fever
- mild headache
- mild nausea.
Talk to your vaccination provider about possible side effects of HPV vaccines, or if you or your child experience symptoms after vaccination that concern you.
The Consumer Medicine Information available on the Therapeutic Goods Administration website lists the ingredients and side effects of each vaccine.
Learn more about the possible side effects of vaccination.