Human papillomavirus vaccine schedule change

The change is based on advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group (ATAGI) on Immunisation who have considered the latest international scientific and clinical evidence. ATAGI determined that a single dose gives excellent protection comparable to protection conferred by two doses. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee has endorsed ATAGI’s recommendations.

The HPV vaccine protects against the human papillomavirus which can cause cancers, warts and other conditions that may lead to serious health consequences. The vaccine is provided free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for:

• year 7 students as part of the school-based immunisation program (SBIP)
  and
• as a catch-up program for young people up to and including 25 years of age through immunisation providers (consultation fees may apply).

Healthy young people who receive a single dose before 26 years of age are now considered fully vaccinated and will not need further doses, with some exceptions. There is no change to the dose schedule for people who are immunocompromised. They should still receive the recommended 3 doses of the HPV vaccine which are all free under the NIP before 26 years of age.

For more information, refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook (external site) which provides the latest clinical advice and recommendations on HPV vaccination.