Chapter 2 – The Cervix

Preventing cervical cancer: Primary prevention – HPV vaccination

Development of vaccines to prevent oncogenic HPV infections means that for the first time there is a potential primary prevention tool against cervical and other HPV-related cancers.

There are two HPV vaccines currently available in Australia:

The nonavalent vaccine (Gardasil 9) protects against nine HPV types: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. It was introduced into Australia in 2018. The overall protection against cervical cancer is estimated at 89 per cent globally.(28) The bivalent vaccine (Cervarix) protects against HPV 16 and 18.

The quadrivalent HPV vaccine for HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 is no longer available in Australia.

KEY POINT – Cervical screening if vaccinated

Vaccination is not an alternative to cervical screening as HPV types other than those within the vaccine have the potential to cause cervical cancer. For women who have ever been sexually active regular cervical screening remains an important preventative measure against cervical disease.

 

KEY POINT – Gardasil 9

The 9vHPV vaccine shows 97.4 per cent efficacy against cervical, vulval and vaginal neoplasias associated with HPV types 31,33,45,52 and 58. (19) ... Buy now