Australia has this month moved from two doses to a single dose of the Gardasil®9 human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for routine immunisation of young people under the National Immunisation Program.
Eligibility for the free catch-up program for young people who have missed vaccination has also been extended from 19 years of age to those aged under 26.
Young people, except those who are immunocompromised, who receive a single dose of the HPV vaccine before 26 years of age are now considered fully vaccinated and don’t need further doses.
The change is based on the latest international scientific and clinical evidence, which shows a single dose gives comparable protection against HPV infection in healthy young people.
It is supported by the Government’s expert advisory group – the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), the World Health Organization and immunisation experts in the United Kingdom.
The HPV vaccine is delivered free through school immunisation programs for children aged 12-13. Catch-up vaccination is provided through immunisation clinics at schools or through a general practitioner, community pharmacy or other primary care provider.