Young women are being urged to get their HPV vaccinations this Women’s Health Week, as modelling shows cervical cancer could be eradicated in a matter of years, thanks to the vaccine and screening.
The Sunshine Coast Public Health Unit says the vaccination has reduced Human Papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence by about 90% in vaccine-eligible people, since it was introduced twenty years ago
“It’s been so successful that they think they can eradicate cervical cancer by about 2035,” explained Sunshine Coast Health Immunisation Public Health Nurse Holly Whitfield.
“So we’re hoping if we can keep those immunisation rates high, as well as people having that cervical screening, we’ll be able to eradicate it hopefully even earlier, by 2028,” she said.
HPV is transmitted through skin and sexual contact. The virus is so common that around 90% of people will contract one of the strains at some stage in their lives.
The vaccination protects against high-risk strains of the virus, which can lead to cancers.
Cervical cancer is the most well-known HPV-caused cancer, but the virus can also cause cancers of the genitals, anus and oral areas, making it crucial for males to be vaccinated as well.
The HPV vaccination is offered as part of the School Immunisation Program for all girls and boys in year seven.
“It’s really important for both men and women to have it, especially in school, the earlier they can get it, the better it works.”
It’s also available at GPs and pharmacies for people under the age of 26, who didn’t get it at school.
“We’re finding about 40% are receiving it in the School Immunisation Program and then about 30-40% are going to their GP to get it done.”
Holly said it’s important these rates increase, in order to eliminate cervical cancer as soon as possible.
“We’re noticing that older teenagers are being caught up, so they’re sitting at about that 80-84% mark, so they are getting it a bit later.”
Public Health Physician Dr Nicolas Smoll said studies show a significant drop in the number of cervical cancer cases.
“This is one of the most powerful vaccines at actually preventing transmission of a virus,” Dr Smoll said.
“We’re decades deep in the evidence that this is a safe and functional vaccine,” he said.
“It’s one dose, up to the age of 26, it’s free in Queensland and therefore anyone who’s eligible should be receiving it.”
“I cannot be more emphatic that we should all be getting our kids vaccinated throughout the school immunisation program which is provided free of charge, all you have to do is ensure you return you informed consent form and it’s that simple.”
Catch up vaccinations can be received at local healthcare providers. Vaccinations for school aged children are also available at the Child Health free drop-in clinic at Maroochydore, from 2pm-6pm.