Human papillomavirus and HPV vaccine
9-minute read
Key facts
- The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can protect you and others against HPV.
- HPV is a common virus that is mainly spread through sexual contact.
- The HPV vaccine is funded for adolescents and young adults up to 25 years of age.
- You can also be vaccinated if you are over 26 years of age.
What is the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine?
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine helps protect you against HPV infection.
HPV is a common virus spread through skin-to-skin or sexual contact. Most people do not have symptoms and the virus may go away on its own. Some types of HPV may cause genital warts or certain cancers.
The best way to protect yourself and others against HPV is to be vaccinated. The HPV vaccine protects against 9 common types of HPV that cause genital warts and cervical, penile and throat cancers. It works by helping your body produce antibodies that protect you from future HPV infection.
Is the HPV vaccine safe?
The HPV vaccine is safe.
HPV vaccines registered in Australia do not cause cervical or other cancers. There is no evidence that the HPV vaccine can cause infertility.
Who should get the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is recommended for:
- people aged 9 to 25 years (the optimal age for vaccination is 12 to 13 years of age)
- people who have weakened immune systems
- men who have sex with men
Read more about how the HPV vaccine is eliminating cervical cancer in Australia.
When should I get the HPV vaccine?
The best time to get the HPV vaccine is before you become sexually active.
If you're aged 12 to 13 years you can get the HPV vaccine for free at school through the National Immunisation Program Schedule. If you are under 26 years of age and were not vaccinated at school, you can still get it for free.
If you are over 26 years of age, you can still get vaccinated. It is not covered by the National Immunisation Program Schedule. Your doctor can help you decide if vaccination is right for you based on:
- your past exposure to HPV
- your future risk of exposure to HPV
- being a male who has sex with males
People over 26 years of age receive 3 doses of the vaccine. These are given over several months.
You can still be vaccinated if you have had HPV in the past. Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.
The HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV. You should still have regular cervical screening tests if you have a cervix.
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Who should not get the HPV vaccine?
You should not get the HPV vaccine if you:
- have an allergy to yeast
- had an anaphylactic (severe allergic) reaction to a previous dose of the HPV vaccine
- had an anaphylactic reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine
- have a bleeding disorder
If you are pregnant, vaccination is delayed until after pregnancy. There is no evidence of harm to you or your baby if you were vaccinated before you knew you were pregnant.
If you aren't sure if the HPV vaccine is right for you, speak with your doctor.
Read more about vaccinations and pregnancy.
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What are the side effects or risks of the HPV vaccine?
As with all vaccines, the HPV vaccine can cause side effects. Most are mild.
Common side effects include:
Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about any symptoms after vaccination.
This table explains who should get the HPV vaccine, how it is given and if it is funded under the National Immunisation Program Schedule. Some diseases can be prevented with other vaccines. Speak with your doctor about which vaccine is right for you.
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What age is it recommended? |
9 to 25 years of age. |
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How many doses are required? |
1 to 3 doses, depending on your age and circumstances. |
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How is it administered? |
Injection. |
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Is it free? |
Free for children aged approximately 12 to 13 years (at school). A free catch-up program is available for under-26-year-olds if they missed the vaccine program at school. For everyone else, there is a cost for this vaccine. Find out more on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website and the National Immunisation Program Schedule. Ask your doctor if you are eligible for additional free vaccines based on your situation or location. |
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Common side effects |
The vaccine is safe. Common side effectsusually last no more than a few days. They may include pain, redness and swelling where the injection was given, headache, tiredness, body aches and fever. |
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
Resources and support
Cancer Council has information about HPV, the HPV vaccine and the Cervical Screening Test.
Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation has information about HPV vaccination.
The National Cervical Screening Program has information about cervical screening.
You can find commonly asked questions about the HPV vaccine at the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS).
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to talk with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Languages other than English
Find translated resources about the HPV vaccine on the Cancer Council website.
Sexual Health Victoria has information about safe sex practices.
Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
Our Mob and Cancer has information about HPV, vaccination and cancer.
Watch the Australian Government video about HPV vaccines.
National Cervical Screening Program has resources for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women, including fact sheets, visual guides, videos and information about the cervical screening test.
Information for sexually and gender-diverse people
The HPV and ME campaign has HPV information for LGBTIQ+ communities,
including resources on prevention, vaccination and screening, and guidance on accessing inclusive healthcare.
An LGBTQ+ Guide to HPV from Can We explains HPV, vaccination and prevention, including information relevant to men who have sex with men and people living with HIV.
HPV Facts for LGBTQ+ explains that HPV can affect anyone and outlines why vaccination is important.
The Cancer Council has tailored information about cervical screening and HPV risk for LGBTIQ+ people, including all people with a cervix.
The National Cervical Screening Program has resources to help people of diverse sexualities and genders understand and access cervical screening.
The Cancer Institute NSW provides support to improve cervical screening awareness and participation in LGBTQ+ communities.