HPV Vaccine Changes

In 2023, the vaccine recommendations for human papillomavirus (HPV) have changed and one dose of 9vHPV vaccine is now recommended and funded for adolescents aged 12-13 years. People who miss their vaccine at 12-13 years can still receive a funded single dose up to and including 25 years of age.

Previously, two doses were routinely given to 12-13 year olds (delivered primarily through school immunisation programs) and three doses were recommended in people aged 15 years and older. This recommendation change occurred as there was a large body of robust evidence to show that a single dose of HPV vaccine was comparable to two or three doses at providing protection against HPV infections. The World Health Organisation and the United Kingdom also recommended a single HPV vaccine dose in 2022 after reviewing the evidence.

HPV vaccination as a three-dose schedule is also recommended for individuals with significant immunocompromising conditions, with doses given at an interval of 0, 2 and 6 months. This vaccination recommendation has not changed for people with significant immunocompromising conditions. All three doses are funded up to and including 25 years of age.

HPV vaccination is not routinely recommended for adults aged 26 years or older, but is recommended for men who have sex with men and people with significant immunocompromising conditions, regardless of age, who have not previously been vaccinated. A three-dose schedule is recommended for adults aged 26 years or older, with doses given at an interval of 0, 2 and 6 months.

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection in both males and females. Most people will acquire an HPV infection within a few years of becoming sexually active.

A small proportion of HPV infections progress, usually over many years, to cancer. Cancers caused by HPV infection include cervical, vaginal, vulval, penile, anal, and some head and neck cancers.

The Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) will be updated to reflect the new one dose HPV due and overdue rules on the 11th of February 2023.

Please note: An individual’s record on the AIR site and their Immunisation History Statement may not reflect the new HPV due and overdue rules immediately. Changes to AIR records may take a few weeks.

Further information and resources

• Changes to HPV vaccine dose schedule for young Australians
• HPV vaccine – Factsheet outlining changes under the National Immunisation Program in 2023
• Australian Immunisation Handbook: Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• NCIRS Human papillomavirus vaccine for Australians fact sheet and FAQs