HPV (genital wart) virus infection has been shown to be the causative agent for cancer of the cervix. There are at least 40 strains of the virus, but 2 strains account for about 70% of cases of cervical cancer. Infection is by skin to skin contact – it is thought that about 80 % of women will be infected with some form of wart virus. In most cases the infected persons body will eradicate the virus – however in some instances the infection persists and after a number of years cervical cancer can develop. Visible ‘warts’ are absent in most infections and there is no visible evidence of the infection.
Gardasil is a new vaccine which protects against 4 strains of the virus, but, importantly, it protects against the strains which cause 70% of the cancers. Since the vaccine covers only 70% of the potential cervical cancer causing HPV infections, women must still have regular PAP smears even though they have been immunised. The Gardasil Vaccine is not a live virus and reactions are uncommon – most frequent being minor injection site pain, headache, fever or nausea, however, the vaccine has not been proven to be effective nor shown to be safe in women over 26.
Australia is embarking on a national program which will ultimately immunise all girls in year 8, through a free school based program. There was an initial free 'catch up' program to immunise girls and women 13 to 26 years of age in the 2 years commencing 1/7/2007 - this program has now ceased. The course consists of 3 injections of the vaccine, with the 2nd and 3rd doses 2 and 6 months after the first one.
In South Australia the school program commenced in April 2007 and was provided to girls in years 8 to 12. Boys between 9 and 15 years can also be vaccinated and since 1st February 2013, boys were also included in the free schools program. Children who miss out at school will be able to go to their doctor for immunisation. When not done under the free schools program, the vaccine costs approximately $150 per injection ($450 for the course).
Those in the eligible age group who have already had genital warts or 'HPV infection' should still be vaccinated - because there are so many strains of the virus.
Gardasil is a new vaccine which protects against 4 strains of the virus, but, importantly, it protects against the strains which cause 70% of the cancers. Since the vaccine covers only 70% of the potential cervical cancer causing HPV infections, women must still have regular PAP smears even though they have been immunised. The Gardasil Vaccine is not a live virus and reactions are uncommon – most frequent being minor injection site pain, headache, fever or nausea, however, the vaccine has not been proven to be effective nor shown to be safe in women over 26.
Australia is embarking on a national program which will ultimately immunise all girls in year 8, through a free school based program. There was an initial free 'catch up' program to immunise girls and women 13 to 26 years of age in the 2 years commencing 1/7/2007 - this program has now ceased. The course consists of 3 injections of the vaccine, with the 2nd and 3rd doses 2 and 6 months after the first one.
In South Australia the school program commenced in April 2007 and was provided to girls in years 8 to 12. Boys between 9 and 15 years can also be vaccinated and since 1st February 2013, boys were also included in the free schools program. Children who miss out at school will be able to go to their doctor for immunisation. When not done under the free schools program, the vaccine costs approximately $150 per injection ($450 for the course).
Those in the eligible age group who have already had genital warts or 'HPV infection' should still be vaccinated - because there are so many strains of the virus.
The Vaccine:This vaccine is not a live virus.
3 injections of the vaccine are required, with the 2nd and 3rd doses 2 and 6 months after the first one. |
Recommended for:Children in Years 8 through to Year 12 are provided this vaccination free through the Immunisation Schedule for Children.
Children who did not get the vaccination through the school programs can go to their GP but this will likely not be covered under the free school program and a fee will be charged. Gardasil vaccine should not be given to those with immediate allergy to yeast, those with phenylketonuria (PKU), in the presence of a high fever, during pregnancy (although no adverse outcomes have been reported) or where there has been an allergic reaction to a previous dose. Gardasil can be given while breast feeding but should not be given during pregnancy (although no adverse outcomes have been recorded). The vaccine has not been proven effective nor shown to be safe in women over 26. |
Adverse Reactions:Adverse reactions are uncommon and usually minor:
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