The aim of the HPV programme is to immunise girls to prevent HPV infections, including genital warts, eventually leading to a reduction in cervical cancer. This highly effective vaccination works by causing the body’s immune system to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the HPV types that cause up to 70% of the cervical cancers. Vaccinating girls and young women now against the main viruses that may cause cervical cancer will help provide protection and reduce the chance of becoming unwell later in life.
The vaccine is licensed internationally for use in 100 countries and vaccination programmes similar to New Zealand are currently available in Australia, United Kingdom and Canada.
All girls born on or after January 1, 1990, will be eligible for the free HPV Immunisation Programme which involves three vaccinations. The programme will be introduced in stages.
Phase One: From 1 September 1 2008 a catch-up programme will be delivered through primary care for women born in 1990 and 1991.
In South Canterbury, Phase One vaccination will be available from the following primary health care providers:
• General Practitioners
• Youth Health Clinic (at Aoraki Polytechnic)
• Family Planning
• He Oranga Pai Health Clinic at Arowhenua Marae
Phase Two: From early 2009 a free school-based programme for all girls in year 8 through to year 13 (aged 12 to 18 years, girls born 1992 onwards) will be delivered by the SCDHB Public Health Nurses. It takes three vaccinations at school in the upper arm to become protected, and these will be given in March, May and September 2009. Registered Nurses who are specifically trained and authorised to provide vaccinations in the school setting will be providing this.Girls under 16 years of age need written parental consent to receive the HPV vaccine at school. Girls over 16 can self-consent to the HPV vaccine. They will still need to sign the consent form.
Consent forms will be given to female students in February and must be returned to school within two weeks to ensure the consent form can be thoroughly checked by the Registered Nurse and Medical Officer if necessary.
Any change to the consent of the three dose programme for a student is required in writing from the parent / guardian.
This is a tight time frame but necessary to allow that vaccination to start at the beginning of March.
For more information contact:
• Public Health Nursing 03 684 1545
• your Doctor or Practice Nurse
• Immunisation Advisory Centre: 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863)
• Healthline 0800 611 116