• About Pap tests or Pap smears
• Who should have Pap tests or Pap smears?
• The human papillomavirus (HPV)
• The cervical cancer vaccine
• Pap tests after vaccination
• How does the vaccine work?
• Who should have the vaccine?
• Where to get the vaccine and costs
• Vaccine safety
• Abnormal Pap test (or Pap smear) results and treatment
• Cervical cancer

Who should have the vaccine?

It is recommended that all girls have the vaccine at age 12 to 13. This is because the vaccine is most effective when given before sexual activity commences - that is, before exposure to HPV.

Additionally, the immune system at this age works more effectively to produce the antibodies which will protect against HPV infection. The vaccine is two to three times more effective at stimulating the body to produce antibodies when given between nine and 12 years of age than between 16 and 23 years of age.

Older women who did not receive the vaccine at school are advised to speak to their doctor about whether the vaccine will benefit them.

Even after vaccination, all women aged 18 to 70 who have ever been sexually active need to have Pap tests every two years. Read more about why women who have received the vaccine still need regular Pap tests.

While one of the HPV vaccines has been approved for boys and may protect individuals from conditions associated with HPV (such as genital warts), boys are not able to receive the vaccine free of charge through the National Immunisation Program. The vaccine is currently given free to girls only, to reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer later in life.

Who should not have the vaccine?

People who should not have the vaccine include:

• pregnant women
• people with allergies to any of the vaccine components (including yeast).

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