Please use our online booking form to make a booking enquiry. After submitting this online request you will be contacted to finalise your booking. 

As HPV affects everyone, students of all genders. 

Currently, HPV & Me is offered free of charge. 

Known as the ‘common cold’ of sexually transmissible infections, most people will contract HPV at some point in their lives. While often HPV has no symptoms and goes away by itself, a persistent HPV infection can cause health concerns such as genital warts and cancers that affect both women and men. It is important that students are armed with knowledge of how they can reduce their risk of these health concerns and make positive choices about their behaviour as they move towards adulthood.  

A venue with access to a computer, data projector, audio speakers with the ability to run PowerPoint, video and audio, and a microphone for large spaces. 

Venue/s with a computer connected to data projector and audio and a webcam facing the students. 

Strong internet connection and capacity to download and use Zoom desktop client. 
Student access to own device for online interaction. 

Face to face: 200 

Online:  Groups of 30 students per computer/venue, max of 4 groups (120) 

We normally speak with a whole year group. Smaller group presentations may be able to be accommodated in a single day.  

Yes. However, we request that the presentations are booked on the same date consequentially (with a maximum of four). 

We’re happy to work with you to tailor our program to meet your needs. If you have queries as to how this can fit in with Senior Studies subjects please get in touch. 

Yes. Eyes on this STI builds on knowledge gained in Why I need the vaccine. Any overlap in content is to ensure student understanding.  

What is HPV?

HPV stands for human papillomavirus. It is an extremely common sexually transmitted infection, with 80% of both men and women coming in contact with the virus at some point in their life. There are over 100 different types of HPV, the majority of which are harmless.

How do you get HPV?

While there are around 100 different types of HPV, not all are sexually transmitted (e.g. those that cause warts on the hands or feet). For the types of HPV that are sexually transmitted, they can only be transmitted when there’s contact with the skin around the genitals. That could be when there is contact between:

• genital and genital
• genital and mouth
• genital and anus
• genital and hand
• genital and sex toys.

Can you get HPV from kissing only?

Currently, there is no conclusive evidence that open-mouthed kissing with tongue (French kissing) is capable of transferring an infection.

Can you still get HPV if you are a virgin?

It is unlikely you will contract HPV if you have not had any type of sexual intercourse. However, as HPV is spread through skin to skin contact with the genitals it is possible that other types of sexual contact could spread HPV.

If you have had any sexual contact with the genitals then it increases your risk of contracting HPV.

Can you still get HPV if you wear a condom?

Yes. Using condoms does lower your risk of contracting HPV; that’s why practising safe sex is one of the three S’s for preventing HPV. However, as HPV is transmitted via skin-to-skin contact rather than bodily fluids, condoms cannot provide full protection from contracting HPV as they do not cover the whole genital area. The uses of condoms is highly encouraged as they provide valuable protection against many STIs including some protection against HPV and unplanned pregnancy.

How will I know if I have HPV?

Most people who contract HPV will not know that they have it, as most types of HPV, including those that most commonly lead to cancer, do not produce symptoms. However, some types of HPV can cause genital warts (small lumps) to develop. These might be uncomfortable and need to be treated but will not cause long term harm.

Remember, most types of HPV will clear up before you even know that you have it. For people with a cervix, the most effective way to detect HPV is through regular Cervical Screening Tests from age 25.

What is the vaccine made from & how does it work?

The vaccine is made from tiny proteins that look like the outside of the real human papillomavirus. The vaccine does not contain any live virus, or even killed virus or DNA from the virus, so it cannot cause cancer or other HPV-related illnesses. Rather, the vaccine is made to “look” like the real virus, so your immune system is tricked in to making virus-fighting antibodies. This means that if, or when your body encounters the real HPV virus, your body will recognise it and know how to clear it from your system.

Why is the vaccine given in Year 7 or 8?

Essentially there are two reasons – first, because the vaccine is most effective if administered before you have been exposed to HPV through sexual activity. Secondly, studies have shown that the body’s immune response to the vaccine is best between the ages of 9 and 14.

Does the vaccine hurt?

Similar to other vaccines, you may experience some pain or soreness around the vaccine site for a few hours or a day after the vaccine is given. This is short term and worth the long term benefit of preventing serious illness from HPV-related cancers.

Are there any side effects?

Most people do not experience any side effects from the vaccine. Common side effects of the HPV vaccine that may occur include:

• Pain, redness, or swelling in the arm where the shot was given
• Fever
• Headache or feeling tired
• Nausea
• Muscle or joint pain

Side effects are generally experienced for a short period of time.

Is there anyone who shouldn’t get the vaccine?

Some people have allergic reactions to ingredients in vaccines. If you have a history of allergic reactions to other vaccines, please consult your doctor to discuss whether the HPV vaccine is appropriate for you.

 What happens if I miss a dose?

All individuals are eligible to receive two doses of the HPV vaccine for free through the National Immunisation Program up until you turn 20. Individuals can receive the catch up doses through a GP or local immunisation provider.

What happens if I’m older than 15?

Students over the age of 15 who have never received a dose of the vaccine will require 3 doses of the vaccine altogether. This is also the case for students who are significantly immunocompromised.