HPV vaccine and cancer
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name for a group of viruses that cause skin warts, genital warts and some cancers in both men and women.
Prevention and vaccine
Vaccination against HPV is highly effective protection against HPV-related cancer and disease.
A free HPV vaccine is given to students in schools as part of the National Immunisation Program.
Boys and girls aged 12 to 13 years can have the vaccine in a course of two doses over a six month period.
For more information go to the Department of Health Immunise Australia website or the Cancer Council Australia website.