Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Most people will have a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection at some time in their lives.
  • There are over 200 strains of HPV with around 40 strains affecting the genitals.
  • The human HPV vaccine helps prevent the types of HPV that cause most of the HPV-related cancers and disease in people of all genders.
  • HPV immunisation is recommended for people 9-25 years of age. The vaccine is most effective when given to young people before they become sexually active.
  • In Victoria, the HPV vaccine is most often provided by local councils (free-of-charge) to secondary school students in Year 7.
  • The HPV vaccine is also available free-of-charge for people aged 12 to 25 years through local councils, general practices and some local pharmacies.
  • All women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 74 years old should have a cervical screening test every five years.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 05-05-2023