HPV vaccine Year 8 final dose reminder

The vaccine is delivered through secondary schools across Western Australia as part of the national immunisation program.

WA Health’s Medical Coordinator, Professor Paul Effler says it is important students receive the full course vaccine doses for maximum protection against genital warts and some cancers.

“The HPV vaccine helps prevent cancer later in life and all doses are needed to be confident of optimal protection,” he said.

“We typically see a good response to the program at the start of the year, but unfortunately many students do not go on to complete the full program.”

“Last year, 85 per cent of Year 8 students had parental consent to participate in the program, but only 73 per cent completed the full program.”

Visit your GP or immunisation provider if your child misses a dose.

Quick facts

• The HPV vaccine protects against two types of HPV that are known to cause 70 per cent of cervical cancer in women. It also protects males from 90 per cent of HPV types that cause cancers of the penis, anus and throat. The vaccine also protects against two further HPV types that cause 90 per cent of genital warts in both sexes. 
• The Year 8 vaccination program also includes booster doses of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccines.