Parents are reminded their child is eligible for a free HPV vaccine through their GP or other immunisation provider if they missed their scheduled Year 7 School Immunisation Program clinic.

Young people aged 25 years and under are now eligible for a free HPV vaccine to be protected against a range of HPV-related diseases, including cervical cancer, head and neck cancer, genital cancers, and genital warts.

The HPV vaccine is routinely offered to Year 7 students in Queensland through the School Immunisation Program, however national data has shown that there was a decrease in HPV vaccination rates across the country, including Queensland, between 2019 and 2021 (likely due to the pandemic distrubtions).

ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group) advice has also changed the HPV schedule change from two doses to a single dose. The exception is immunocompromised young people, who are still recommended to receive three doses of the HPV vaccine.

HPV vaccination is not routinely recommended for people 26 years and older because HPV infection generally occurs soon after sexual activity commences.

For more information be sure to chat to your GP or visit the following website for the School Immunisation Program – Queensland Government website.