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Immunisation: Cervical cancerDisclaimer: This fact sheet is for educational use only. Please consult your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child. Key points to remember about the cervical cancer vaccine
 Back to TopWhat is cervical cancer?Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus or womb, and is at the top of the vagina.
It's caused by a common virus called HPV or human papillomavirus that is spread through sexual contact.
About four out of five people have HPV infection at some time in their lives but most HPV infections clear naturally and don't develop into cervical cancer. If abnormal cells occur and go untreated, cervical cancer can result many years later.
Back to TopAbout cervical cancer immunisationThe cervical cancer or HPV Immunisation Programme aims to reduce cervical cancer in New Zealand by protecting girls against HPV infection.
The vaccine being used in the New Zealand Programme is GARDASIL®.
The HPV immunisation is free for girls and young women born on or after 1 January 1990. It is available through participating schools or from family doctors, local health centres and some Family Planning clinics.
Back to TopWhere to go for more information about cervical cancer immunisation HPV Immunisation Programme website (Ministry of Health / newzealandgovt.org.nz)
The HPV Immunisation Programme website for girls and young women includes the following information:
IMAC (Immunisation Advisory Centre)
The IMAC website provides information about HPV, the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer. See their fact sheet for young women, parents and caregivers (at right).
Website: http://www.immune.org.nz
Ministry of Health
 The Ministry of health website provides information on HPV and the HPV Immunisation Programme. There is also a cervical cancer vaccine quick flipchart (at right).
Website: http://www.moh.govt.nz
One for the Girls (an Auckland District Health Board initiative)
This website is the result of an idea to create a campaign to inform and empower girls who want to know more about HPV immunisation and what it means for them. This website was created by students at AUT (Auckland University of Technology).
Website: http://www.oneforthegirls.org.nz/
Back to TopYour notesEndorsement
This fact sheet was endorsed by PSNZ - 06/10/2010
CopyrightFact sheets are subject to copyright. In the interests of information sharing they may be copied but acknowledgement must be given to PSNZ and Starship Foundation. © The Paediatric Society of New Zealand and Starship Foundation 2005 - 2012
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