You may have encountered misinformation about vaccines online. We’re here to give you the essential facts you need to know about the HPV vaccine and what it means for your health.

 

1. The HPV vaccine protects against nine strains of HPV and prevents many cancers  

HPV is very common but don’t fret! Nearly all sexually active people, regardless of gender and sexual orientation, will get HPV in their life. Rest assured, in most cases the body naturally clears HPV within a year or two, with no symptoms.  

The virus passes through tiny breaks in the skin and is not spread through blood or other body fluids. Note that condoms offer limited protection, as they do not cover all the genital skin.  

However, some HPV infections can linger in the body for a longer time and turn normal cells abnormal. This can lead to several types of cancers in the throat, cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, and anus.  

Enter the HPV vaccine! The vaccine can prevent most HPV infections and related cancers. That means getting the vaccine can significantly reduce your cancer risk. 

2. Got a cervix? You still need to do cervical screenings even if you are HPV vaccinated 

Do you have a cervix and are HPV vaccinated? Congrats! To be safe, you still need to do your Cervical Screening Test every 5 years.  

The HPV vaccine protects you against many cancer-causing HPV strains. But it does not protect against all HPV strains. So, it’s important to continue regular cervical screening.  

It’s only 1 test for 5 years’ peace of mind, what a great pay-off! 

Please seek medical attention if you notice any symptoms of cervical cancer such as: vaginal bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause; pelvic pain; or pain during sex. 

For your complete guide on cervical screening, check out ACON’s Own It campaign!

3. Gay and bisexual men and people living with HIV are at increased risk of HPV-related anal cancer. They would benefit from the HPV vaccine. 

The vaccine is for everyone, including gay and bisexual men and people assigned male at birth. 

Receptive condomless anal sex (bottoming) is the main risk for contracting HPV and development of anal cancer: 

• Gay and bisexual men are about 20 times more likely than heterosexual men to develop anal cancer. 

• People living with HIV, including men who have sex with men, are more likely to develop anal cancer. They are up to 100 times more likely than the general population.  

Use condoms and get the HPV vaccine to boost your protection. If you have condomless sex, get the HPV vaccine. It protects against other strains of HPV you may not have been exposed to. 

Gay and bisexual men living with HIV are at greater risk of HPV-related cancer. Successful treatment of HIV may reduce the risk of anal cancer. It’s important for gay and bisexual men living with HIV to screen for anal cancer as part of routine HIV care. 

If you are a gay or bisexual man, and/or living with HIV, stay vigilant about reducing your risk of HPV and anal cancer.  

We recommended speaking with your doctor or healthcare provider about HPV vaccination.  

After all, sex is even more enjoyable when you know your health is protected! 

 

4. It’s best to get the HPV vaccine when you’re young – and it’s free! 

The HPV vaccine prevents many strains of HPV. This is why young people receive the vaccine before becoming sexually active. It protects them from possible HPV exposure. 

The HPV vaccine is free for young people aged 9 to 25 years thanks to the National Immunisation Program. 

The NSW Adolescent Vaccination Program offers the vaccine to young Australians, aged 12-13. It is mainly offered in school and is also available at GPs and select pharmacies.   

People under 26 only need one dose of the HPV vaccine – yay, no need for multiple shots!  

And no, getting vaccinated does not encourage increased sexual activity. Although the vaccine is for a sexually transmitted infection, there is no correlation with recipients displaying increased sexual activity. 

If you are sexually active, you can have the peace of mind knowing you’re protected from several strains of HPV!  

You can be in peak health and live your life to the fullest – who doesn’t want that? 

How can you access a record of your past vaccinations? 

The Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) is a national database. It records all vaccines given to people in Australia. You can request a copy of your AIR Immunisation History Statement at any time: 

• using the Medicare online account through myGov 

• using the Medicare Express Plus App 

• calling the AIR General Enquiries Line on 1800 653 809. 

 

5. The HPV vaccine is for everyone! 

HPV affects people regardless of gender or background – not just people with a cervix. Simply put, the vaccine is for everyone! The HPV vaccination is especially recommended for the following groups: 

People with a cervix 

To reduce risk of cervical cancer, people with a cervix should get vaccinated. They should also have cervical screenings every 5 years from ages 25 to 74. 

Younger people aged 9 to 25 

The best way to prevent HPV and related diseases is to get vaccinated before sexual activity. 

People living with HIV 

People living with HIV are at higher risk of HPV-related diseases. They should get the HPV vaccination at any age. 

Gay or bisexual men 

Gay and bisexual men are at higher risk of HPV. They are also at higher risk of HPV-related diseases, and anal cancer than men who don’t have sex with men. Gay and bisexual men should get the HPV vaccination at any age to reduce their risk.  

If you are a gay or bisexual man, read more on why you should get vaccinated against HPV here.  

 

6. The HPV vaccination is free until age 25 

If you missed the HPV vaccination, you can catch up for free up to age 25. If you are age 26 or older, or do not have a Medicare card, you will need to pay for your HPV vaccine.  

If you moved to Australia after age 12 and aren’t sure if you’ve been vaccinated for HPV, check with your doctor or your home country’s health department. 

Where can you get the HPV vaccine?  

If you haven’t been vaccinated and want to know more, please speak to your doctor or healthcare provider.  

Visit the NSW Health website to view the NSW Immunisation Schedule. You can ask your immunisation provider if you qualify for any additional or free vaccines. 

 

7. The HPV vaccine is generally not recommended after age 26 

HPV vaccination is not recommended for people aged 26 and over. Most people in this age range have likely already been exposed to HPV.   

If you are living with HIV and/or identify as a gay or bisexual man, you are recommended to get the HPV vaccination at any age. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about your vaccination options. 

 

8. The HPV vaccine is safe and effective 

The HPV vaccine is super safe! Vaccines used in Australia must pass strict safety testing before being approved. Studies of millions of HPV vaccine recipients worldwide and in Australia have shown that the vaccine and its ingredients are safe and well-tolerated. 

Like most vaccines, there may be mild side effects. Common side effects include soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site. They may also cause a mild fever or nausea. All of these side effects are temporary. 

If you have any concerns about vaccine side effects, talk to your provider. 

The HPV vaccine protects against various types of HPV that cause genital warts, most cervical cancers, and other HPV-related cancers. Research shows that the vaccine still offers close to 100% protection more than 10 years after it was given.  

9. Who should not get the HPV vaccine? 

The HPV vaccine should not be given to people who: 

• are or may be pregnant. 

• have had anaphylaxis following a previous vaccine. 

• have a history of anaphylaxis to yeast. 

If you are unsure whether you can get the vaccine, please discuss it with your healthcare provider.  

 

10. The HPV vaccine started in Australia 

Fun fact – the vaccine was first developed by the University of Queensland! We were the first country to roll out a national HPV vaccination program.  

The vaccine was then fast-tracked to other countries for use. Since then, millions of doses have since been distributed worldwide.  

Let’s keep leading the charge on maximising our protection against HPV and HPV-related cancers. 

 

The HPV vaccine is safe, reliable, and effective. It greatly lowers your risk of HPV-related cancers. Let’s give both HPV and cancer the jab they deserve! 

For more information on HPV, the vaccine, and cervical screenings, visit Cervical Cancer Screening | HPV, Cervical Screening & Self-Collection | CAN WE