Gardasil - HPV Vaccination
A vaccine called Gardasil 9 has been developed that protects against nine HPV types which cause around 90% of cervical cancers in women (and the majority of other HPV-related cancers in women), 95% of all HPV-related cancers in men and 90% of genital warts.
HPV-related cancers include almost all cancers of the cervix, and a proportion of cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, penis and throat.
Gardasil 9 provides fully vaccinated people with protection against nine types of HPV including:
- types 16 and 18, the two types that cause the majority of HPV-related cancers
- the five next most common HPV types associated with cervical cancer (types 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58)
- two non-cancer-causing HPV types (types 6 and 11), which cause 90% of genital warts.
Gardasil 9 is used in the school-based National HPV Vaccination Program (from 2018). It replaced Gardasil, which protected against four HPV types and was in use bewteen 2007 and 2017.
Australia's Professor Ian Frazer and his team at the University of Queensland discovered how to make the vaccine particles, which form the basis of the HPV vaccine.
New HPV vaccine in 2018
- In 2018 the National Immunisation Program will adopt a new HPV vaccine which protects against 9 HPV types (9vHPV or Gardasil9®) in a 2-dose schedule given at least 6 months apart. This vaccine protects against additional high-risk HPV types to protect against over 90% of cervical cancers in women and also against additional cancers in men.
- The new 9vHPV vaccine will be available for ordering in early 2018 on NSW Health’s online vaccine ordering system at https://nsw.tollhealthcare.com/
2-dose schedule for any HPV vaccine
- The latest international studies demonstrate that a 2-dose schedule of any HPV vaccine given to individuals aged 9-14 years at least 6 months apart gives equivalent protection to a 3-dose schedule given at 0, 2 and 6 months for most individuals (see exceptions below).
- In 2017, a 2-dose 4vHPV vaccine (Gardasil®) schedule has been adopted for Year 7 students in the NSW School Vaccination Program as the second dose of HPV vaccine was deferred to accommodate the urgent roll-out of the Meningococcal W Response Program to Year 11 and 12 students. These students are therefore fully vaccinated and do not need a third dose.
- Parents are being advised of the schedule change, and those who still wish for their child to receive a third dose in 2017 can obtain it via their GP.
- A draft updated chapter of the NHMRC’s Australian Immunisation Handbook has been released to incorporate the implementation of the 2-dose HPV schedule in Australia.
Exceptions to 2-dose HPV schedule
- Some individuals are still recommended to have a 3-dose schedule at 0, 2 and 6 months, including those who receive their first dose of HPV vaccine at 15 years of age or older, and those with significant immunocompromise (detailed advice at www.health.nsw.gov.au/hpv).
Catch-up vaccination up to 19 years
- Providers can offer free HPV catch-up vaccination to adolescents aged 10-19 years under the Australian Government’s catch-up program (see www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation).
- In 2017, this means a course of Gardasil®, and can be administered as a 2-dose schedule if commenced prior to the 15th birthday, or a 3-dose schedule for those aged 15-19 years.
- In 2018 providers will be able to offer two doses of free Gardasil9® vaccine to adolescents 10-19 years of age, however adolescents who commence the schedule after their 15th birthday should pay for the third dose.
- GPs are strongly encouraged to notify each dose of HPV vaccine administered to the National HPV Register.
Further Information
• NSW Health’s HPV website: www.health.nsw.gov.au/hpv
• Contact your local public health unit on 1300 066 055
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