Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Immunisation

Key points about HPV immunisation

HPV immunisation is available to everyone in New Zealand from 9 years of age until before their 27th birthday​.

• human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that is passed on through intimate skin to skin contact (not just sex)
• infection with HPV can lead to cervical cancer and other types of cancers
• HPV immunisation is available to everyone in New Zealand from 9 years of age until before their 27th birthday to help protect them from cervical and other cancers
• all tamariki in New Zealand can be immunised against HPV as part of their free childhood immunisations at 12 years of age (school year 8)

What is human papillomavirus (HPV)?

HPV is a very common virus that is passed on through intimate skin to skin contact (not just sex).

About 4 out of 5 people have an HPV infection at some time in their lives. Most HPV infections clear naturally and don't develop into cervical or other cancers. Sometimes, HPV infection can lead to the growth of abnormal cells. If these cells go untreated, it can eventually lead to cervical and other cancers.

What types of cancer can HPV cause?

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. HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. 

Other cancers

HPV can also cause other genital cancers (vagina, vulva, penis), anal cancer and cancer of the throat and back of the mouth (oropharyngeal cancer).

What other problems can HPV cause?

Genital warts

HPV infection can lead to genital warts. In women, genital warts can appear on the vulva, areas inside or surrounding the vagina, cervix and anus. In men, warts can appear on the scrotum, penis and area inside or surrounding the anus.

About HPV immunisation

All tamariki in New Zealand can have HPV immunisation

All tamariki in New Zealand can be immunised against HPV as part of their free childhood immunisations at 12 years of age. Lots of tamariki are offered the HPV vaccine at school, usually in Year 7 or 8.

HPV immunisation aims to reduce cervical and other cancers 

HPV immunisation aims to reduce cervical and other cancers caused by HPV in New Zealand by protecting against HPV infection.

There are many strains or types of human papillomavirus - immunisation protects against the most common types that cause cancer. 

The HPV vaccine is only able to prevent HPV infection - it does not treat the infection.

How to get the best protection

For best protection, young people need to have HPV immunisation before they are exposed to HPV, which means before they start having any sexual contact.

For best protection, young people need to have HPV immunisation before they are exposed to HPV, which means before they start having any sexual contact.

Younger teens respond better to HPV immunisation than older teens and young adults. Their immune system is really effective at making antibodies in response to the vaccine, and protection is long-lasting.

Although having a sexual partner may well be a long way off, making sure your child has HPV immunisation when they are 12 means they are at far less risk of developing cervical and other cancers caused by HPV in the future.

What to do if your child misses their immunisation

If for some reason your child misses out on the immunisation when they are 12, they can catch up free as long as they have their first HPV immunisation before their 27th birthday.

How many doses of the HPV vaccine will my child need?

If your child is aged 9 to 14 they will only need 2 doses of HPV vaccine to be protected. If they start their HPV immunisations when they are aged 15 or older they will need 3 doses.

Is HPV immunisation free for children who are not New Zealand residents? 

Yes, HPV immunisation is free for non-residents until before their 18th birthday.

Do women who have had HPV immunisation still need cervical screening?

HPV videos

Watch a series of videos on HPV on the Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora YouTube Channel:

• overview of the story of HPV
• HPV and cervical cancer
• helping to prevent HPV and cervical cancer
• HPV immunisation
• cervical screening

• HPV Immunisation - now free for boys and young men

See more KidsHealth content on immunisation

Check out KidsHealth's section on immunisation