What is HPV?

2. What is HPV? • HPV stands for human papillomavirus. • There are lots of different types of HPV. • HPV is a very common sexually transmitted infection which usually has no symptoms and goes away by itself BUT can sometimes cause serious illnesses. • Almost all cases of genital warts and cervical cancer are due to HPV.

3. How do you get HPV? Part 1 • 4 out of 5 people have HPV at some time in their lives. • It’s very common. • Both men and women can get HPV. • You can be exposed to HPV the first time you’re sexually active, from only one sexual partner.

4. How do you get HPV? Part 2 The virus is transferred from one person to the other through the skin. • The virus enters the body through tiny invisible breaks in the skin. • The types of HPV that cause cervical cancer and genital warts are passed on by genital-skin to genital-skin contact. • Condoms offer some but not total protection from HPV, as they don’t cover all of the genital skin.

5. HPV and cervical cancer • Most times HPV leaves the body naturally and you never know you had it. • Sometimes HPV doesn’t leave the body naturally. We call this ‘persistent’ HPV infection. • Persistent HPV infection can cause abnormal cells to develop on the cervix. • These cells may develop into cervical cancer, usually over many years, if they aren’t treated.

6. What is cervical cancer? • Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus or womb. • Treatments for cervical cancer can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. • Only women can get cervical cancer.

7. The cervical cancer vaccine (Part 1) • There is a vaccine that can stop girls getting the two HPV types that cause 7 in 10 cervical cancers. • It can also stop you getting the two HPV types that cause 9 in 10 cases of genital warts.

8. The cervical cancer vaccine (Part 2) • The vaccine is given as three injections in the upper arm, over six months. • It’s very safe. • The vaccine works best if you have it before you have any sexual contact with another person. • If you’ve already had sexual contact with another person, the vaccine could still protect you.

9. How does the vaccine work? (Part 1) • The vaccine is made from tiny proteins that look like the outside of the real human papillomavirus. • When the vaccine is given, the body makes antibodies in response. • If a person is then exposed to the real virus, the antibodies can clear it from the body. • This is called immunity.

10. How does the vaccine work? (Part 2) • The vaccine doesn’t contain any live virus, so it can’t cause any type of cancer or genital warts. • Watch the video at http://www.cervicalcancervaccine.org.au/parents/parents-background.aspx to learn more about how the vaccine works.

11. Why should girls get the vaccine? • Having the cervical cancer vaccine means: • You’re less likely to get cervical cancer in the future • You’re less likely to get genital warts in the future To find out everything you need to know about why you should get the vaccine, watch the teen video at www.cervicalcancervaccine.org.au

12. How to get the HPV vaccine at school? Girls should: • Take the consent form home to your parents for them to sign • Return the signed form to the school • Make sure you turn up on the day! It’s important to note that girls can access the vaccine at school for free for a limited time only and conditions do apply. Contactyour state/territory government immunisation unit to find out more.

13. Boys and the vaccine (Part 1) Boys may also benefit from having the vaccine. This is because it can prevent 90% of genital warts, prevent rare cancers such as penile and anal cancer, and reduce the risk of giving HPV to sexual partners. The vaccine is currently only provided free in school for girls, because cervical cancer is the most common serious disease caused by HPV.

14. Boys and the vaccine (Part 2) It is possible that in the future boys could also receive the vaccine free of charge in school. If boys want to have the vaccine now, they can get it from their local doctor. The vaccine costs around $150 for each of the three doses so around $450 in total.

15. Will girls still need Pap tests? Girls will still need Pap tests if they have the vaccine. This is because the vaccine doesn’t protect you against all of the HPV types that can lead to cervical cancer. You will need regular Pap tests from age 18 or 2 years after your first sexual contact, whichever comes later. So if you don’t have any sexual contact until you’re 21, you don’t need to start having Pap tests until you’re 23.

16. What is a Pap test? A Pap test is a quick and simple test which takes a sample of cells from the cervix.The cells are then checked under a microscope to look for any abnormal ones. Sometimes abnormal cells can develop into cervical cancer, usually over many years. When a Pap test finds them, they can usually be treated easily.

17. Vaccination day (Part 1) What will happen on the day? [Outline schedule] Have a good breakfast before going to school Wear sports clothing so the nurse can reach your upper arm easily. If you’re nervous, go first and get it over with or try listening to an iPod.

18. Vaccination day (Part 2) Avoid too much exertion after you have the vaccine.After the vaccine most people feel fine.But if you don’t feel well, tell the nurse who gave you the vaccine, a teacher or your parents/guardians.

19. More information If you want more information about HPV, cervical cancer and the cervical cancer vaccine go to: cervicalcancervaccine.org.au