with even MORE detailed information.
Questions & answers
- Free immunisation
- GARDASIL
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Cervical Cancer
- Genital Warts
Free immunisation
Who is eligible for free immunisation?
Immunisation is free for girls born on or after 1 January 1992 (who are aged 9 or older).
Girls born in 1990 or 1991 who have started their vaccine course before 31 Dec 2011 will still be eligible for free vaccination on their remaining shots.
When and where will free immunisation be available?
All girls in Year 8 will be offered free immunisation through a school-based programme. If you are not in Year 8, and are in the applicable age range above, you can get FREE vaccination through a doctor or medical clinic.
GARDASIL
Does GARDASIL work?
Yes. You will be protected against the types of HPV that cause the majority of cervical cancer and genital warts. GARDASIL has been clinically tested to be 99-100% effective in preventing cervical cancer, pre-cancers and genital warts caused by the four HPV types in the vaccine.
How does GARDASIL work?
GARDASIL works by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against HPV. GARDASIL protects against 70% of cervical cancers1 and 90% of genital warts.2 You can not get a HPV infection or develop HPV related disease from GARDASIL.
Who should get vaccinated with GARDASIL?
GARDASIL is indicated for girls and women 9 - 45 years.
How is the vaccine given?
GARDASIL is given to you through a series of three shots in the upper arm over a six-month period.
It is very important that you get all 3 shots to get the full protection from the immunisation.
Is GARDASIL safe?
GARDASIL has been tested on over 20,000 women world-wide, including New Zealand, and was well tolerated.
Does GARDASIL have any side effects?
The most common patient complaints are skin reactions to the injection: soreness, redness, swelling and in some cases fever. For the most part these reactions have been mild. They usually improve or disappear within a few days.
Can I catch HPV from GARDASIL?
No. You cannot develop an HPV infection or HPV related disease from GARDASIL because the vaccine does not contain the complete virus.
Can I get cervical cancer or genital warts from GARDASIL?
No. The vaccine does not contain the complete virus and you or your daughter cannot develop cervical cancer or genital warts from GARDASIL.
If I get vaccinated with GARDASIL do I still need to get cervical smear tests?
Yes. GARDASIL does not protect against all the HPV types that cause cervical cancer therefore it’s important that you still get regular cervical smears.
Why do I have to see my doctor?
GARDASIL is a prescription medicine, and can be administered by either your doctor or nurse.
How much does GARDASIL cost?
GARDASIL is free for girls aged 9 up to those born on or after 1 January 1990.
If you are not eligible for free immunisation but would like the vaccine you can get it through your doctor and you will need to pay approximately $165 per dose for each of the three shots, plus administration and medical fees. The price does vary from doctor to doctor.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
How common is HPV?
HPV is a common virus. Most people will become infected with HPV in their lifetime.
Can you tell if you have HPV?
No. Most people who have HPV do not show signs or symptoms. This means that they can pass on the virus to others without knowing it.
Do condoms stop HPV?
It is not known how much condoms protect against HPV. The HPV virus lives in certain areas of the skin that aren't always protected by condoms, so even if you are careful you can still catch the virus.
What if I already have HPV?
Women who have one or more types of HPV will still be protected against the HPV types they have not yet been exposed to that are in GARDASIL. Talk to your doctor or nurse for more information.
Can you clear a HPV infection?
Yes. For most women, HPV clears up on its own and the cervix cells go back to normal. But for some women, HPV does not go away and the cervix cells continue to change. This can lead to serious problems like high-grade abnormalities and cervical cancer.
If I have had a HPV infection, should I still get vaccinated?
Yes. GARDASIL works best when given before a person has become infected with certain types of HPV, but may also be of benefit if you or your daughter, have had a previous HPV infection.
If I have had an abnormal cervical smear, should I still get vaccinated?
Yes. GARDASIL can be helpful in preventing any future HPV infections even if you have already had an abnormal cervical smear test result. Talk to your doctor or nurse for more information.
If I catch HPV will I get cervical cancer?
For most women, HPV infection clears up on its own. However, for some women infected with HPV, the virus can result in the development of abnormalities and precancerous cells. Cervical abnormalities can be detected by a cervical smear test. Certain types of HPV, the ones that cause cervical cancer, are also referred to as "high risk" types.
Cervical Cancer
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is a serious condition that can affect women of all ages. Cervical cancer is the cancer of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Cervical cancer develops when abnormal cells in the cervix lining multiply following a viral infection.
Can cervical cancer be prevented?
GARDASIL helps prevent cervical cancer by immunising against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. To prevent cervical cancer caused by other types of HPV, women must also have regular pap tests.
These screening tests detect early cell changes in the cervix (called ‘precancers'), so that if required, they can be treated before the changes become cancerous.
Genital Warts
What are genital warts?
Genital warts commonly appear as skin-coloured, irregular growths. They are found on the inside or outside of the genitals in both males and females. They can hurt, itch, bleed and cause discomfort. Sometimes they can come back after treatment.
What causes genital warts?
Genital warts are caused by certain types of HPV.
Does GARDASIL prevent genital warts?
GARDASIL prevents the two main types of HPV that cause most genital warts.
If I've had genital warts, does that mean I will get cancer?
No. The types of HPV that cause most genital warts are different from the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.
References:
1. Frazer I, Cox J, Mayeaux E, et al. Advances in Prevention of Cervical Cancer and Other Human Papillomavirus-Related Diseases. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2006;25:S65-S81.
2. Villa L L, Costa R L R, Petta C A, et al. Prophylactic quadrivalent human papillomavirus (types 6, 11, 16, and 18) L1 virus-like particle vaccine in young women: a randomised double-blind placebo controlled multicentre phase II efficacy trial. Lancet Oncol. 2005;6(5):271-278.
