Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a safe and reliable way to protect young people from getting a range of HPV-related cancers and diseases, including cancers of the cervix, anus, penis and throat, and genital warts.
School vaccination clinics were interrupted during 2020-21, and despite catch-up vaccinations being offered, there has been lower uptake and completion of HPV vaccination than previous years for students currently in years 7 to 9.
While many children in Year 7 (aged 12-13) may have already received two doses of the HPV vaccine at school clinics this year, clinicians are asked to be mindful as to whether any of their young patients may have missed this opportunity.
For more information on HPV and the school vaccination program, head to the NSW Health website.