From the 1 September 2008, the Ministry of Health is making Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination available to all women born from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 1991. From 2009 the vaccination programme will also offer the vaccine to young women from age 12 to 18 years, through a school based programme.
There are many strains of HPV, which is a type of wart virus. Some types can cause cervical cancer. Most women (and men) are infected with HPV through sexual activity at some stage during their lifetime. Most clear the infection but in some it remains in the cervix and causes cancer.
Gardasil™, the funded (or free) vaccine, contains 4 strains of HPV. It provides good protection against two strains which cause 70% of cervical cancer and another two which cause 90% of genital warts. It is used in many other countries and has an excellent safety profile.
The vaccine course comprises three doses over six months with the second dose given two months after the first and the third dose given four months after the second.
If HPV infection occurs before the immunisation is given, the vaccine may not protect against future disease. Receipt of the vaccine does not reduce the necessity for cervical smears and it does not protect against other sexually transmitted diseases.
For more information about HPV and the Gardasil vaccine or if you wish to discuss this programme in greater detail please phone the practice on 9200 800 and ask to speak to a nurse.
Please txt your friends and make them aware of this important vaccine.
:: Medsafe Gardasil Vaccine Information
