Cancer Council Victoria is urging Victorian parents to check their children’s human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination status, with new data showing one in three survey respondents are unaware that the HPV vaccine is recommended for adolescent males, as well as females.
The new research from the Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer at Cancer Council Victoria surveyed over 850 Victorian women and people with a cervix aged 25-74 about their knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer. Of those surveyed, one in three (35 per cent) incorrectly believed that the HPV vaccine was only recommended for adolescent females. This misconception was most common among women aged between 45 and 59. This age group are also more likely to have children eligible for the life-saving vaccine.
The HPV vaccine is given to Australian children for free at age 12-13 through the school-based National Immunisation Program and protects against a range of HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
Kate Broun, head of screening, early detection and immunisation at Cancer Council Victoria said that it was a common misconception that the HPV vaccine is only for girls despite the vaccine having been offered to all genders since 2013.
“HPV is a very common sexually transmitted virus that is well known for causing almost all cases of cervical cancer, but many people aren’t aware that it can also cause penile, anal and head and neck cancers, as well as genital warts,” Ms Broun said.
“Many people still think of it as the cervical cancer vaccine and may wonder why their sons need it too. That’s why it’s so important for parents to understand the full benefits of this vaccine in protecting their children from preventable HPV-related cancers and diseases,” Ms Broun said.
HPV vaccination coverage has been declining in Victoria since 2020, with coverage for 15-year-old males declining from 86 per cent in 2020 to 83 per cent in 2023.
Ms Broun said she was concerned that HPV vaccination coverage hadn’t yet returned to previous levels and urged parents of adolescent boys to check their HPV vaccination status and to arrange to catch up as soon as possible if they missed their dose.
“We are so lucky to have this vaccine that is free and available to all Australians aged 12-25 to protect against preventable HPV-related cancers. We don’t want any children missing out on this protection because they weren’t at school that day or forgot to return their consent form,” she said.
“The HPV vaccine works best when given at a younger age and before exposure to the virus. So, if your child has missed receiving the vaccine for any reason, book them in to catch up as soon possible – its free and easy to do through your local council, doctor, or some pharmacies,” Ms Broun said.
