Early detection and cancer prevention

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.