From early 2018, young Australians have free access to the new human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Gardasil®9, that protects against more types of HPV infection.
Gardasil®9 has replaced Gardasil and will be provided free to young Australians through the National Immunisation Program (NIP). The new vaccine protects against nine types of HPV, whereas Gardasil protected against four.
School-based vaccination programs will offer the new vaccine to children aged approximately 12 to 13 years. GPs and other immunisation providers will also offer Gardasil®9 as part of a catch-up program for young people up to the age of 19 years.
HPV vaccination is a safe and reliable way to protect young people from getting a range of HPV related cancers and diseases.
HPV vaccines used in Australia are very safe. The vaccine has been provided through school-based programs in Australia since 2007 for females and 2013 for males. Millions of doses have been given all over the world.
The combination of improved cervical screening and HPV immunisation programs is expected to dramatically reduce cervical cancer rates and save lives.
Find out more about the new HPV vaccine:
- HPV vaccine - educational video for parents
- HPV vaccine - brochure for parents
- HPV vaccine - animation video for students
Additional information is also available for health care providers:
Find out more about human papillomavirus (HPV) and the Gardasil®9 vaccine provided through the HPV immunisation service.