99% of all cervical cancer diagnosed in New Zealand women is caused by the common virus, Human Papillomavirus, or HPV. HPV is spread by sexual contact and most people will be infected at some stage in their lives.

The good news is that girls and young women can now receive a free vaccine to protect against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancer. This vaccine is offered free to girls and young women aged 12-18 years in most schools. 

CERVICAL CANCER
Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, it develops when cells on the cervix grow abnormally. HPV is the most common cause of cervical cancer.

If a woman is infected with HPV, most of the time the virus is killed by her body’s immune system but not always.

If the virus is not cleared it can sometimes lead to cervical cancer many years later. It can take as long as 20 years from the time of infection with the virus for cancer to develop.  

HPV VACCINE OFFERS PROTECTION
The HPV vaccine (the Cervical Cancer Vaccine) offers protection from the two types of HPV that cause 70% of cervical cancers as well as the two types that cause 90% of genital warts.
 
The HPV vaccine works by causing the body’s immune system to produce its own protection (antibodies) against these four types of HPV.

HOW SAFE IS THE VACCINE?
The HPV vaccine was shown to have an excellent safety profile during large clinical trials involving more than 20,000 girls and young women and has been licensed for use in more than 100 countries.

THE HPV VACCINE IN SCHOOLS PROGRAMME

• The HPV Vaccine Programme will be provided through most schools
• The HPV vaccine is free to girls and young women aged 12-18 years
• Three doses are given as injections in the upper arm over six months
• Girls and young women at participating schools will be given a consent form and information to take home.

Girls and young women will only be immunised at school if the consent form is completed, signed and returned to school.

Girls and young women aged 12-18 years who cannot receive the vaccination through school can receive it FREE from their family doctor, practice nurse or local health clinic.

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The HPV vaccine is a Prescription Medicine. Medicines have benefits and risks. Talk to your doctor or nurse regarding the benefits and risks of this vaccine and to check eligibility. TAPS NA3275

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