Queensland Health has spread the vaccine service to include human papillomavirus (HPV) and help overcome genital warts, not just the risk of cancer.
Based on data by the University of NSW’s Kirby Institute, it is estimated that Australian-born people born since 2007 with those under 21 more than 90 per cent like to be infected and at least 75 per cent for those 21 to 29 years.
Among people aged over 30, genital wart diagnoses have declined more gradually, however there has been a reduction of more than 60 per cent for females and males.
Senior Medical Officer, Dr Olivia Williams has described HPV as a common virus that can affect people of all genders and ages.
“In addition to genital warts, HPV infection can sometimes cause cell changes that lead to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, mouth and throat,” Dr Williams said.
“While many people associate the HPV vaccine as something that only people with a cervix need to have – it’s so important for everyone to get vaccinated to prevent cancers that may affect them,” she said.
“HPV infection can cause penile, anal, mouth and throat cancer.”
Queensland Health said genital warts were a sexually transmissible infection (STI) caused by HPV infection – and it’s one of only a few STIs you can get vaccinated against.
“Others include Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, both which are sexually transmissible,” it said.
“Genital warts are skin-coloured or white bumps that show up on your vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum or anus, and occasionally in the mouth or throat,” it said.
“They may look like small pieces of cauliflower.”
It said HPV can be passed on through sexual contact, including intimate skin-to-skin contact, with many warts of various sizes and they can sometimes be itchy.
“But, even if no warts are visible, it is still possible to pass on HPV,” it said.
The Health Department said the HPV vaccine protected against nine types of HPV that were the most common causes of cervical cancer and genital warts in Australia.
The HPV vaccine is primarily delivered through the year 7 School Immunisation Program and is available free for everyone.
“Young people aged up to and including 25 years are eligible for a free HPV vaccine via catch-up school immunisation clinics, or by a GP or other immunisation provider,” it said.
A consultation fee may be charged by providers outside of the School Immunisation Program and the benefits of HPV vaccination are greatest when it is given in early adolescence and before exposure to the virus.
More information on the School Immunisation Program can be accessed on the Queensland Government website at this PS News link.
