HPV vaccination: protecting against HPV and cancer
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Free HPV vaccination is available for eligible people aged 12 to 25.
Book an immunisation appointment
- Free for ages 12 to 25.
- Most people need only 1 dose.
- Offered at school in Year 7.
- Safe and used in Australia for many years.
Appointments are available in different suburbs and at different times, including some evenings and weekends.
You can also call 03 9122 3845 or 03 9240 1111 to make an appointment.
HPV vaccination explained
Watch this short video to learn how HPV vaccination protects young people
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Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a really common virus that’s passed from person to person through sexual contact
In most people it’s harmless and has no symptoms and their immune system effectively gets rid of the virus
However, in some people the virus can persist and may lead to a number of HPV related diseases
Including genital warts, cervical cancer, and some cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis, and throat area
All students aged approximately 12 and 13 are offered the HPV vaccine for free in schools as part of the National Immunisation Program.
It’s a single injection that work best before adolescents become sexually active.
I know some people worry about vaccines, but I want my daughter to be as safe and protected as possible in all areas of her life.
If the vaccine can protect her against HPV related cancers
Then it’s an easy decision for us.
It’s just one less thing to worry about knowing my sons can get this vaccine
And it’s done in school.
All my mates are getting vaccinated too.
For me the safety of my kids is everything
HPV vaccines are proven to be safe
And have been used for over 10 years,
With millions of doses given around the world
Which is really reassuring
Yeah, I had it last year at school and it didn’t hurt much.
It was a bit red the next day, but I was fine.
Vaccinations are available through school, which makes it easy.
And if you miss a dose, speak to your GP or school-based immunisation provider about how you can catch up.
Together we can keep our kids safe.
Sign the consent form so your child can be vaccinated.
And let’s help protect against HPV.
You can also call 03 9122 3845 or 03 9240 1111 to make an appointment.
Answers to common questions
Find the answers to common questions people have about HPV and vaccination. Information in this section has been adapted from Cancer Council Victoria HPV Fact Sheet. Find more information at www.hpvvaccine.org.au
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Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus. It spreads mainly through intimate skin-to-skin contact.
Many people clear HPV naturally. However, some HPV infections can stay in the body and can cause cancer over time. These include cervical, genital and some throat cancers.
HPV often has no signs or symptoms. A person can have HPV without knowing it.
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HPV vaccination helps prevent HPV infection and HPV-related cancers. It works best before a person is exposed to HPV.
Giving the vaccine early protects people before they need that protection, just like other childhood and adolescent vaccines.
The vaccine does not treat an existing HPV infection, but it can protect against HPV types a person has not been exposed to.
Getting the HPV vaccine does not make assumptions about whether someone is sexually active.
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HPV vaccination is recommended for eligible young people of all genders. It is routinely offered to students in Year 7, usually around 12 to 13 years of age.
This is the age when the vaccine gives the best protection before possible exposure to HPV.
We use the same approach with many other vaccines. We do not wait for someone to be exposed to measles or meningococcal disease before vaccinating them.
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Yes. HPV vaccines have been used safely in Australia and around the world for many years.
Common side effects are usually mild and short-lived. They can include a sore, red or swollen arm, headache, tiredness or a mild fever.
Speak with your immunisation provider if you have questions or health concerns.
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Most people who receive their first HPV vaccine dose before their 26th birthday only need 1 dose.
People with certain medical conditions or treatments that affect the immune system need 3 doses.
An immunisation provider can advise what is right for you.
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Yes. HPV vaccination is free for people aged 12 to 25 through the National Immunisation Program.
Even if you have already been exposed to HPV, vaccination may still protect you against HPV types you have not been exposed to.
The vaccine does not treat an existing HPV infection.
You do not need to share personal details about sexual activity to ask about HPV vaccination.
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It is never too late to check whether vaccinations are up to date.
Most childhood and adolescent vaccines can be given free as catch-up vaccinations until age 20.
If you are unsure which vaccines you have had, speak with your Council immunisation nurse, immunisation provider or healthcare professional.
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If you or your child is in Year 7, Council immunisation nurses will offer the HPV vaccine at school.
If the school appointment is missed, it may be possible to receive the vaccine at a later school visit.
Merri-bek City Council also provides community immunisation sessions.
You can also get the free vaccine from your doctor or a participating pharmacy.