HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine

People of all genders should receive the HPV vaccine, ideally before becoming sexually active. It is also recommended at any age for people with some chronic illnesses and men who have sex with men. Check with your health provider for advice.

People over the age of 26 are not routinely recommended to have the vaccine, unless they have certain chronic illnesses and men who have sex with men.

The vaccine should not be given to people who have had:

• anaphylaxisafter a previous dose of an HPV vaccine
• anaphylaxisafter any component of an HPV vaccine.

Benefits

The HPV vaccine protects against strains of the virus that are spread through sexual contact. It works best when given before exposure to the virus, and younger adolescent (under 15 years) have a stronger immune response.

Almost all cervical cancers are linked to HPV infection, so vaccination is key to preventing them. HPV vaccines are critical to eliminating cervical cancer and help protect against genital warts and HPV-related cancers of the genitals, anus and throat.

Because HPV often has no symptoms, it can be easily passed between partners, making vaccination the best protection.

Risks

Any medicine, including vaccines, can have potentially serious side effects, such as severe allergic reaction. However, the risk of this is extremely small. For possible side effects, see below.

Refer to ‘People not recommended to have the vaccine,’ for more information.

All vaccines used in Australia undergo strict safety testing before approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) (external site). Vaccine safety is continuously monitored through AusVaxSafety, a national program that tracks vaccine reactions each year. More information is available through AusVaxSafety (external site) and vaccination safety.

Long-term international studies have shown an 86 to 92 per cent reduction in cervical cancer among women vaccinated against HPV at 16 years or younger. In 2021, there were no cervical cancer cases diagnosed in women aged under 25 years in Australia – the first time since 1982. Since the introduction of the national HPV vaccine program in 2007, there has also been a more than 90 per cent reduction in genital warts among younger vaccinated populations.

The HPV vaccine in Australia provides vaccinated people with protection against 9 types of HPV, including:

• types 16 and 18, which cause most HPV-related cancers.
• the 5 next most common HPV types associated with cervical cancer (31, 33, 45, 52 and 58).
• 2 non-cancer-causing HPV types (6 and 11), which cause 90 per cent of genital warts.

HPV causes almost all cervical cancers and is also linked to some cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, penis and throat. The HPV vaccine does not treat an existing infection, so it is best given before exposure to the virus. 

The vaccine does not protect against all HPV types that can cause cervical cancer, so regular cervical screening remains important for women and people with a cervix.

Learn more about vaccine safety.

Common side effects

Common side effects of HPV vaccines are usually mild, occur soon after vaccination, last 1 to 2 days, and resolve without special treatment. These can include:

• pain, redness and swelling where the needle was given
• headache
• fatigue
• nausea
• fever
• dizziness.

These symptoms can be treated with a cold pack or paracetamol, if needed.

Serious side effects

Vaccines, like all medicine, can cause side effects. Serious reactions, such as a severe allergic reaction, are extremely rare and usually happen within minutes to a few hours after vaccination. Immunisation providers are trained to recognise and manage allergic reactions.

You can learn more about possible side effects of vaccination and what to do if they occur.

When to seek help

If you or someone you care for experiences a reaction that you are concerned about, seek medical advice:

• tell your immunisation provider if you’re still at the clinic
• see your doctor
• 1800MEDICARE or call 1800 633 422
• visit your hospital emergency department
• call an ambulance.

Concerns about side effects

Your immunisation provider should report all suspected significant reactions, but you can also make a report.

Report any reaction that causes concern, whether minor or serious, to the Western Australian Vaccine Safety Surveillance (WAVSS) system (external site), WA’s central reporting service for significant adverse events (reactions) following immunisation.

Report it:

• via the WA Vaccine Safety Surveillance (WAVSS) system (external site) website
• by phoning WAVSS on 6456 0208 (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday).

WAVSS may contact you for further information.

Most students in WA can get vaccinated against HPV as part of the Adolescent Immunisation Program – a free, routine vaccination service for eligible Year 7 school students. Students who miss vaccination at school can receive a catch-up vaccination from another immunisation provider until the age of 26.

While the HPV vaccine is free for people before they turn 26 years old, some immunisation providers may charge a consultation fee for administering the vaccine. Check if there are any costs when making an appointment with your chosen provider. 

Some pharmacies may offer HPV vaccines at no cost. Check with your pharmacy.

For more information, see Where can I get immunised?