As your child heads back to school, now is a great time to talk about the HPV vaccine.
Here’s why it’s important:
What is HPV?
HPV stands for human papillomavirus, and there are many different types. Most of the time, HPV doesn’t show any symptoms, and the body usually clears the infection naturally. However, some strains of HPV can lead to illnesses, including cancer.
HPV is responsible for:
- almost all cervical cancers
- approximately 90% of genital warts
- 90 per cent of anal cancers
- 78 per cent of vaginal cancers
- 60 per cent of oropharyngeal cancers (throat, tongue, and tonsils)
- 50 per cent of penile cancers
- 25 per cent of vulvar cancers
Why is the HPV vaccine important?
HPV can affect everyone and is very common. HPV can spread through genital skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Most sexually active people (four in five) will have an HPV infection at some point in their lives.
The HPV vaccine used in Australia, Gardasil®9, is highly effective and long-lasting. When given at a young age, before becoming sexually active, it offers nearly 100 per cent protection against the HPV types that cause most cancers and related diseases.
How can your child get the HPV vaccine?
In Western Australia, children in Year 7 will be offered the free, one-dose HPV vaccine at school. Parents/guardians and adolescents need to provide consent through VaccinateWA or by completing and returning the school’s consent form.
If your child misses the vaccine at school, they can get a catch-up dose through a doctor, Aboriginal Health Service, or some pharmacies up to the age of 25. Contact your preferred provider to schedule an appointment.
What can you do as a parent or guardian?
- Talk to your child about the importance of the HPV vaccine – consider using this video as a guide.
- Complete and return the immunisation consent form provided by your child’s school or visit VaccinateWA
