National Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Program

The National Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Program aims to protect females aged 12-26 years from cervical cancer.

The adolescent catch-up phase of the Program (12-18 year olds) was conducted in all NSW high schools in 2007 and 2008. From the 2009 school year, HPV vaccine will be offered in all NSW high schools to female students in year 7 only.

General Practitioners are currently conducting the young women phase of the Program (18 - 26 year olds).

The community-based HPV catch-up program (delivered through general practice and community immunisation services), is provided for:

1. 12 to 18 year old girls who have not completed their course at school; and
2. 18 to 26 year old women.

The community-based program finishes on 30 June 2009, so to be eligible for free vaccine, all females in the above age groups must have started the course with their first dose of the vaccine on or before 30 June 2009, and complete all 3 doses by 31 December 2009.