The Government funded HPV Vaccination catch up program for females 18-26 years is about to end.
To be eligible for free vaccine on the National Immunisation Program, females 18 to 26 years must have had their first dose
before 30th June and complete all 3 doses by 31st December 2009 (1).
There are only a few months left to ensure eligible girls complete their 2nd and 3rd dose of cervical cancer vaccine. A recent survey of females 18 to 26 years found that 42% didn’t realise that they only had until 31st December to complete
the course (2).
Almost half of the respondents also didn’t realise that at least a 3 month gap is required between dose 2 and 3.
To help raise awareness of the end of the catch up program, a consumer campaign will be running throughout September and October encouraging eligible girls to make an appointment with their GP. Your clinic may notice an increase in enquiries regarding HPV Vaccination.
Tips to ensure eligible girls don’t miss out:
(1). Department of Health and Ageing 2009 National Immunisation Program Schedule,
available at www.immunise.health.gov.au, accessed 30 July 2009(2). Pureprofile Survey August 2009
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