Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
You can protect yourself against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) by getting vaccinated.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Vaccine
You can protect yourself against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) by getting vaccinated.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
You can protect yourself against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) by getting vaccinated.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that is spread through sexual contact.
Although most people don’t experience any symptoms of HPV and the virus can go away by itself, in others it can cause genital warts or cancer.
Here are three things you need to know about Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV can live in the skin for many years1.
HPV can affect any male or female who is sexually active1.
There are different types of the virus that are ‘low risk’ and ‘high risk’1.
Stay protected against HPV with a vaccination at your local Blooms The Chemist*.
*Minimum age restrictions apply. Speak to your Pharmacist about the minimum age for child vaccinations. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (parent or guardian must bring photo ID as proof of guardianship).
References
1Healthdirect, Human papillomavirus and HPV vaccine, accessed 10 February 2023
Human papillomavirus (HPV) FAQS
What is HPV?
HPV stands for human papillomavirus and is a common sexually transmitted infection that usually shows no symptoms1. However, in some people it can cause serious illness.
The virus is spread through intimate contact and can infect both men and women. You can be exposed to HPV the first time sexual activity occurs or from only having one sexual partner.
1Cancer Council, HPV, accessed 10 February 2023
What are the symptoms of HPV?
Most people infected with HPV have no symptoms, but some other symptoms can include1:
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Genital warts
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Bleeding after sex
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Pain during sex
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Abnormal periods
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Unusual vaginal bleeding
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Pain in the pelvis
If you do notice any of these symptoms, please contact your doctor.
1Healthdirect, Human papillomavirus and HPV vaccine, accessed 10 February 2023
How is HPV spread?
HPV is spread through genital to skin contact during sexual activity through tiny breaks in your skin1. The virus can live in your skin for many years and can spread to partners even if you are each other’s first sexual partner.
1Healthdirect, Human papillomavirus and HPV vaccine, accessed 10 February 2023
How do I get diagnosed with HPV?
A diagnosis of HPV can be made through your doctor, who may do the following1:
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Checking your symptoms
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A physical examination
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For women, doing a cervical screening text that can detect high risk HPV
Currently, there is no blood test to detect HPV.
1Healthdirect, Human papillomavirus and HPV vaccine, accessed 10 February 2023
How is HPV treated?
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for HPV as the body usually gets rid of the virus by itself over time. This can sometimes take about a year and you may need to be re-tested to see if the virus has gone1.
1Healthdirect, Human papillomavirus and HPV vaccine, accessed 10 February 2023
How can I prevent getting HPV?
Being vaccinated against HPV is the best way to prevent infection1.
You can also use condoms as they offer some protection, but they do not cover the whole genital area, so you can still catch HPV.
1Healthdirect, Human papillomavirus and HPV vaccine, accessed 10 February 2023
Human papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine FAQS
What is the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is recommended for both men and women as protection against getting HPV1.
In women, the HPV vaccine can protect you against nine types of HPV that cause cancer, but the vaccine does not protect you against all types of HPV. The vaccine also helps protect against genital warts and some types of vaginal, vulval and anal cancers.
In men, the HPV vaccine can protect you against genital warts and some anal, penile and throat cancers.
1Healthdirect, Human papillomavirus and HPV vaccine, accessed 10 February 2023
What are some common side effects of the HPV vaccine?
Some common side effects of the vaccine include1:
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Pain, redness and swelling at the injection side
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Swelling
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Headaches
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Fever
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Body aches
However, these side effects are usually temporary. If they persist, please reach out to your doctor.
1Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine, accessed 10 February 2023
Is it recommended that I get the HPV vaccine?
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends the HPV vaccine for the following people1:
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Younger people aged nine to 25
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People with significant immunocompromising conditions
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Men who have sex with men
1Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine, accessed 10 February 2023
Is the HPV vaccine free for me?
The HPV vaccine is a part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP), which means it is free for the following people1:
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Young people aged approximately 12 to 13 and is primarily provided through school immunisation programs
You can check here to see if you are eligible to receive a NIP funded vaccine.
If you are eligible for a vaccination under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), you may need to confirm with your selected Blooms The Chemist pharmacy about their NIP vaccine stock availability. Please note that there may be a service fee associated with a NIP vaccination.
1Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine, accessed 10 February 2023