More youths need HPV vaccine

IN recent years, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported one in four boys and one in seven girls had not received a full HPV immunisation in Ballarat

The Cancer Council Victoria is urging all 12 to 13-year-old children receive the HPV vaccine, Gardasil 9, in the new school year as part of the National HPV Vaccination Program.

The vaccine protects people against nine variations of the infection which can cause cancer in men and women.

Screening, early detection and immunisation manager at Cancer Council Victoria, Kate Broun said the area’s vaccination rates are in line with the state’s average, but getting the shot is no less important.

“It is fantastic that lots of Ballarat parents are choosing to protect their children, but there is still work to be done to ensure that all teens have the opportunity to complete the free vaccine course and protect themselves against cancer-causing HPV,” she said.

“The vaccine is most effective when given at age 12 to 13. Two injections are needed, with the second dose administered six to 12 months after the first.

“We are urging parents to sign the vaccine consent form and ensure their teen receives both doses for the best protection against cancer.”

For more information, visit hpvvaccine.org.au.