LOCAL parents are being urged to vaccinate their children against the human papillomavirus (HPV), as new data shows HPV vaccine coverage in Victoria has continued to decline, following two years of pandemic-related disruptions.

According to Cancer Council Victoria (CCV), data from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Australia (NCIRS) annual immunisation coverage reports, shows the proportion of 15-year-olds who have had one dose of the HPV vaccine in Victoria has declined from 88.2 per cent to 86.8 per cent for girls and from 86.2 per cent to 84.2 per cent for boys from 2020 to 2022.

The HPV vaccine protects against nine types of HPV that cause almost all cases of cervical cancer, other HPV-related cancers and genital warts.

In Victoria, all children aged 12-13 are provided the HPV vaccine for free under the National Immunisation Program, delivered through the school-based immunisation program.

The vaccine is free for people aged 12-25 and most people now only require one dose.

CCV head of screening, early detection and immunisation, Kate Broun, said that the continued decline of HPV vaccination coverage was concerning and that it could put more young Victorians at risk of developing HPV-related cancers and diseases.

“The HPV vaccine works best when given at a younger age and before sexual activity commences, so it’s important that children are receiving it when they are due and if they have missed it, that they catch up as soon as possible to give them the best protection against HPV-related cancers and diseases in the future,” Ms Broun said.

Victorian Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said the science shows that the HPV vaccine is safe and effective.

Students in Year 7 and Year 10 can access free vaccines through Victoria’s Secondary School Immunisation Program.

Students who missed their HPV vaccination last year can receive it at school this year, or at their local council immunisation service.

They can also catch up on missed immunisations at their local GP or at selected pharmacies.

Parents who aren’t sure whether their child has had the HPV vaccine can speak to their doctor or check the Australian Immunisation Register.

Find out more at hpvvaccine.org.au