Early detection and cancer prevention
HPV vaccine and cancer
Changes to HPV vaccine schedule
From February 2023, the following changes will apply to the HPV vaccine schedule:
- the vaccine will be given in a single dose instead of 2 doses
- eligibility for catch-up vaccines will be extended to people under the age of 26 under the National Immunisation Program.
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 critical to eliminating cervical cancer. Almost all cervical cancers are linked to HPV infection.
Vaccination also protects against genital warts and other HPV related cancers in both men and women.
A single dose of the vaccine is considered fully vaccinated.
Students from 12 years of age (year 7) are offered the free vaccine as part of the Northern Territory's school-based immunisation program.
Catch-up immunisation is available for people under the age of 26 as part of the National Immunisation Program.
For more information go to the Department of Health and Aged Care website or the Cancer Council Australia website.
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