All Year 7 students can now receive one dose of the safe and highly effective HPV vaccine as part of the National Immunisation Program for schools. This vaccine significantly reduces the chances of getting HPV-related cancers.
Our short, engaging HPV and Me as been specifically designed to be delivered before or during the Year 7 (National Immunisation Program) HPV vaccination delivery at school by either teachers or vaccine providers. Its also suitable for delivery for students Year 6-8.
Our program provides evidence-based information about the HPV virus, how it’s transmitted and how we can all protect ourselves against the virus. It sensitively discusses the importance of sexual health and staying health, the importance of vaccines, and how the HPV vaccination works.
By registering with us we can understand who is interested/using our resources and we can gain feedback to improve the program.
Please take a few minutes to register here if you are an education provider:
https://accf.supporterhub.net.au/pages/accf-school-form
Please take a few minutes to register here if you are a vaccine provider or health service provider:
HPV & Me provides teachers and parents with the tools they need to empower young people to take control over their health.
Our program is designed by experienced educators with input from students, teachers, and parents.
Don’t take our words for it, check out for yourself what our parents, teachers and students say about HPV & Me.
We hope you enjoy participating in the HPV & Me program.
Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about HPV, the HPV vaccine and our HPV and Me program. They are also available here to download – Frequently asked Questions – HPV and Me – for Parents, carers, teachers and students.pdf
If your question is not answered, then please contact info@accf.org.au
HPV stands for human papillomavirus. It is a 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.
While there are around 200 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:
Currently, there is no conclusive evidence that kissing can transfer an infection.
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.
Yes. Using condoms does lower your risk of contracting HPV; that is 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 use of condoms is highly encouraged as they provide valuable protection against many sexually transmitted infections including some protection against HPV and unplanned pregnancy.
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.
The vaccine is made from tiny proteins that look like the outside of the real human papillomavirus. The vaccine does not contain any live or dead virus or DNA from the virus, so it cannot cause cancer or other HPV-related illnesses. Instead, 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.
Essentially there are two reasons – studies have shown that the body’s immune response to the vaccine is best between the ages of 9 and 14. Secondly, the vaccine is most effective when administered before a person may be exposed to HPV through sexual activity.
Like other vaccines, there may be a small amount of 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.
Most people do not experience any side effects from the vaccine. Common side effects of the HPV vaccine that may occur include:
Side effects are generally experienced for only a short period of time.
Some people have allergic reactions to ingredients in vaccines. If a person has a history of allergic reactions to other vaccines, please consult your doctor to discuss whether the HPV vaccine is appropriate for you.
All individuals are eligible to receive the HPV vaccine for free through the National Immunisation Program up until they turn 26. Individuals can receive the catch-up doses through a GP or local immunisation provider.
As any person can get an HPV infection the program is suitable for all students. It is designed for delivery prior to the Year 7 National Immunisation Program which provides the HPV vaccine to Year 7 Students (ages 12-13).
As any person can get an HPV infection; and 80% of people will get an HPV infection in their lifetime, so the program is suitable for all students.
The HPV & Me is offered free of charge.
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. We feel it’s important therefore that all young people understand what HPV is, how to look after themselves to prevent a HPV infection and make positive choices about their behaviour as they move towards adulthood.
Venue/s with a computer connected to data projector and audio.
Online: Groups of 30 students per computer/venue, max of 4 groups (120)
We’re a not for profit charity, so we’d be delighted if you could help us deliver the program to more schools and communities. Please consider asking your school or class to make a small donation to the ACCF, or a school fundraising activity during the delivery of the school immunisation program. Your donations can be lodged here and thank you!
| Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation – ABN 14 128 546 850
We would love your feedback to ensure our resources meet your needs. We’re developing a short Survey Monkey feedback survey, but in the meantime, please provide feedback to: Helen.Boocock@accf.org.au Thank you!