HPV Vaccination Melbourne: HPV vaccine, East Melbourne clinic

Everything you need to know about HPV vaccination in Melbourne

What this page covers. HPV (human papillomavirus) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, and vaccination is an important public-health tool to reduce the cancers and warts it causes. This page covers what HPV is, who the vaccine is for, the schedule appropriate for your age, what the in-person Specialist GP consult at our East Melbourne clinic involves, side effects and safety, and the important reminder that vaccination does not replace cervical screening. See the fees page for full pricing.

What HPV is. HPV is a common virus — around 80 percent of sexually active adults are exposed at some point in their lives. Most people clear the infection without any issues. A smaller number develop genital warts or persistent infection with high-risk strains. Persistent high-risk infection is the cause of nearly all cervical cancers, and is also linked to anal, oropharyngeal (throat), vulvar, vaginal, and penile cancers. HPV does not have a treatment that clears the virus itself — the focus is on prevention through vaccination and on screening for and treating any changes the virus causes.

Who the vaccine protects. The vaccine is recommended for adolescents and young adults (school-based program from age 12, catch-up up to age 25), adults catching up between ages 26 and 45 who were not vaccinated growing up, men who have sex with men of any age, people with immune-compromising conditions, and anyone with new partners or ongoing exposure who has not previously completed a vaccination schedule. The vaccine has its strongest effect when given before first exposure to HPV, but provides meaningful benefit even for people who are already sexually active.

How the vaccine works. The vaccine is made from virus-like particles — tiny structures that look like the outside of the virus but contain no infectious material. Your immune system learns to recognise these particles and produces antibodies that protect against future infection. The current formulation used in Australia covers nine high-risk HPV strains, including the strains responsible for around 90 percent of cervical cancers and the strains that cause most genital warts. Protection has been demonstrated out to 14 years and counting, with no evidence yet of waning immunity.

Schedule for adolescents and young adults under 25. A single dose of the vaccine is now standard for people aged 9 to 25 under the Australian National Immunisation Program. The vaccine is offered through the school-based program at year 7. Anyone who missed their school dose, or who completed schooling without being offered the vaccine, can still receive a single catch-up dose through a GP up to age 25. The single-dose schedule is supported by strong evidence of equivalent protection to the older multi-dose schedules.

Schedule for adults aged 26 to 45. Three doses are recommended for adults catching up between ages 26 and 45 — given at 0, 2, and 6 months. Three doses are needed in this age group because most adults have likely had some prior exposure and a stronger immune response is required to establish broad protection. The full course is given by injection, with doses spaced as above. The first dose is usually given at the consult; follow-up doses are scheduled at the appropriate interval.

Schedule for people with immune-compromising conditions. People living with HIV, organ transplant recipients, people on certain cancer treatments, and people with primary immune deficiencies need three doses regardless of age. The three-dose schedule provides a stronger immune response in people whose immune system is not functioning at full capacity. The Specialist GP confirms the right schedule and timing at the consult, taking into account your other medications and overall situation.

What happens at the in-person consult. The Specialist GP takes a focused history covering your previous vaccination record, any prior HPV-related issues (warts, abnormal cervical screening), allergies, current medications, and other vaccines that may be due at the same time. The doctor confirms the schedule appropriate for you, gives the first dose at the consult where appropriate, organises follow-up doses, and records the vaccination on the Australian Immunisation Register. The consult is also a chance to ask questions about the vaccine or about sexual health more broadly.

Side effects and safety. The most common side effect is a sore arm at the injection site, sometimes with a small red area, for a day or so. Some people get a headache, mild fever, or feel tired for 24 hours. Rarely, an allergic reaction can occur — the clinic is set up to manage this on site. The HPV vaccine has been given to more than 100 million people globally and has an excellent safety record. Vaccination is generally deferred during pregnancy out of caution; breastfeeding is not a reason to defer.

Vaccination does not replace cervical screening. This is the most important reminder on the page. The vaccine covers most but not all cancer-causing HPV strains, so a small risk of cervical cancer remains even in fully vaccinated people. Cervical screening every five years from age 25 is recommended for everyone with a cervix, regardless of vaccination status. If you are due for cervical screening, the consult is a good time to organise it. See our cervical screening Melbourne page for more.