Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Every year in New Zealand about 160 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 60 die from it. It's caused by a common virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) that is spread through sexual contact.
Cervical Cancer Vaccine (HPV).
As of September 2003, Girls and young women born from 1 January 1990 are eligible for free immunisation against HPV.
In 2009 and 2010 the HPV immunisation (Gardasil) will be offered throughout the MidCentral district: The programme, funded by the Ministry of Health, consists of a series of three injections of Gardasil given over a six month period.
Ultimately the programme will be offered to girls in year 8 but over the next two years there is a catch-up programme in place to ensure all of those young women born after 1990 are able to receive the vaccine.
During 2009, girls in years 8, 12 and 13 will be eligible to receive the vaccine through participating schools. In 2010 girls in years 8, 10, 11 & 12 will be included. Girls who attend schools not participating in the programme can be immunised at their general practice at no cost.
The decision to get immunised is up to each family. More information about the immunisation is available from Ministry of Health Cervical Cancer Vaccine website.
Tracey Bentall, MidCentral DHB’s HPV Coordinator can be contacted by email
tracey.bentall@midcentraldhb.govt.nz or phone 0274 425 011 Monday-Friday.
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Last Updated 15/06/2010