Key facts
- Number of doses: One.
- Free for: Teens aged 12 to 13 years of age.
- Side effects can include a mild fever, mild nausea, mild headache, or pain, redness and swelling at the injection site.
What is HPV
HPV is a common viral infection that spreads through sexual contact and skin-to-skin contact in the genital area. Some types of HPV can cause genital warts and cancers, including cervical cancer and cancers of the anus, penis, vulva, vagina, mouth and throat.
What is the HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine is an injection that helps protect people from HPV. The ingredients teach the immune system to recognise and fight the virus that causes HPV, without causing the disease itself.
HPV vaccination has the most benefit when it is given before someone is exposed to the virus. This is why the vaccine is routinely offered through school-based immunisation programs in early high school, before most young people become sexually active.
HPV vaccines are safe and effective at protecting against HPV and its complications. Staying up to date with your vaccinations gives you the best protection.
You can find product information and consumer medicine information about HPV vaccines on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website.
Who can get the HPV vaccine
The vaccine is free under the NIP schedule for:
- teens aged 12 to 13 years of age (year 7 or age equivalent)
- people aged between 12 and 26 years old with specified medical risk conditions
- people 26 years of age or under (as a catch-up vaccination).
You must also have a Medicare card or be eligible to be on one. This includes teenagers.
If you are not eligible for the free vaccine through the NIP
Talk to your health professional about whether vaccination is recommended for you or your child. Most vaccines are available for private purchase with a prescription.
If you buy the vaccine yourself, you will need to pay for it. The cost is not covered or reimbursed through the NIP.
Some vaccines not funded by the NIP may be funded by your state or territory. Check the immunisation schedule for your state or territory to find out more.
How the HPV vaccine is given
The vaccine is injected into a muscle (intramuscularly).
Costs
Some providers charge a consultation fee to give vaccines (including free ones). Check before you make an appointment.
Side effects
Most side effects of HPV vaccines are mild and last no more than a couple of days. Serious side effects are rare.
Common side effects include:
- mild fever
- pain, redness and swelling where the needle went in.
Occasionally, a hard lump may form at the injection site. This may last for weeks, but no treatment is needed.
Find out how to manage common vaccine side effects. If you’re worried, talk to a health professional.
Safety data
See safety data for the free vaccines given at 12 to 13 years of age (includes HPV) from AusVaxSafety.
Checking immunisation history
You can get proof of vaccination for you or your child. Visit the Check immunisation history page to find out how.
Information for health professionals
If you are a health professional, visit our Vaccination clinical support for health professionals page for more information.
You can also read the Australian Immunisation Handbook HPV page.
Next steps
Talk to a health professional to confirm if the HPV vaccine is free or recommended for your teen, or for yourself as an adult.
Find a health professional in your area or call your state or territory health department.
More information
- Visit our Vaccination for teens section.
- View our NIP resources.
- Watch our HPV vaccine explained for parents and guardians video that explains the benefits of getting the HPV vaccine.
- Read Human papillomavirus vaccine – frequently asked questions on the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Australia website.
HPV vaccine
Find out how effective the HPV vaccine is and learn more about potential side effects.
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