Protect against most types of cancers caused by HPV – English – HE2012

Information for young people and their whānau

HPV immunisation is FREE for rangatahi (young people) aged 9 to 26 years.

HPV immunisation helps protect rangatahi against a number of cancers later in life. 

Nearly 8/10 people will be exposed to HPV in their lifetime.

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of very common viruses that infect about 80% of people at some time in their lives. It's passed on through intimate skin-on-skin contact.

Most HPV infections get better on their own. However, they can cause a number of different cancers for all genders later in life - such as cervical cancer, head and neck cancer, and cancer in other parts of the body.

Immunisation is your best protect

The HPV vaccine used in Aotearoa New Zealand is Gardasil 9. It is very effective at preventing 9 types of HPV.

Most rangatahi (young people) are offered the vaccine at school, usually in Year 7 or 8. This is the best time to immunise them, as their immune system is really effective at making antibodies in response to the vaccine and protection is long lasting.

How effective is the vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is very effective in preventing infection from the 9 types of HPV responsible for around 90% of the cancers caused by HPV.

Protection is expected to be long-lasting. In studies, almost everyone who received the
vaccine was protected against HPV infection and disease.

The number of HPV infections and diseases has fallen significantly among rangatahi in
countries offering HPV immunisation, including New Zealand.

For this vaccine to be most effective people should be immunised before they are exposed
to HPV.

Rangatahi also need to have all the recommended number of vaccine doses for their age.

• Those aged 9 to 14 years need 2 doses. The second dose is given at least 5 months after the first. This age group needs 2 doses instead of 3 doses of the vaccine to be protected because they respond better to the vaccine than the older age group.
• Those aged 15 years and older need 3 doses. It is recommended that all three doses are given over a 6 month period.

Rangatahi aged 9 to 14 years only need two doses.

What alternatives are there to having the immunisations at school?

If your school is not offering HPV immunisation, or you have missed out for any reason, you can easily catch up with a visit to your medical centre, pharmacy or healthcare provider.

Delaying HPV immunisation may mean you need another dose to be protected, as rangatahi aged 15 years and older need 3 doses.

Who shouldn't be immunised?

There are very few people who shouldn’t be immunised. If you have had a serious reaction to a vaccine in the past, you should talk to your doctor, vaccinator or healthcare provider.

Tips for preparing for immunisation

• Eating before and after will make you less likely to feel faint or dizzy.
• Wear a loose shirt with short sleeves so the vaccinator can easily access the upper arm.
• Tell the vaccinating team if you are feeling scared or anxious, they can help you with this.
• Take things easy after the immunisation as your arm might be a bit sore.

Anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine in the past should discuss immunisation with their usual doctor or healthcare provider.

Side effects and reactions

The most common side effect is a sore arm from the injection - you can put a cold cloth
or ice pack on it to feel better.

Other common reactions include:

• a headache
• feeling tired, dizzy, or sick
• feeling feverish or sweaty.

Serious allergic reactions (known as anaphylaxis) are extremely rare. Only about 1 in 1 million people will experience this.

The vaccinator is well-trained and knows what to look for and can treat an allergic reaction quickly if it happens.

Serious allergic reactions normally happen soon after the vaccine has been given. This is why people need to wait for up to 20 minutes after immunisation. 

People recovering from illnesses such as a cold, flu, or Covid-19 can still be immunised as long as they do not have a fever.

For more information about getting immunised against HPV

• talk to your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider
• call Healthline on 0800 611 116
• visit HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine