In a world first, Australian schoolboys will be able to get the
successful Gardasil® vaccine, which will protect them against developing
a range of cancers and bolster the effectiveness of this vaccine in
women.
Starting next school year, the Gillard Government will
fund the vaccine for 12 and 13-year-old boys through school-based
programs under the National Immunisation Program. Year 9 boys will also
be able to get the vaccine at school under a catch-up program for the
next two years.
Minister for
Health Tanya Plibersek said providing the HPV vaccine to boys would
protect them and increase the effectiveness of the vaccination program
for girls.
“Every parent wants their child to be healthy and
that is why the Australian Government is delivering the best protection
we have against HPV related cancer through this vaccine,” said Ms
Plibersek.
“By building on Australia’s world-class immunisation
program, we’re stopping preventable HPV related disease and cancers,
and that makes a difference to the quality of life of our families.
“Already the HPV vaccine has had an impact – significantly reducing the
number of lesions that lead to cervical cancer amongst women in the
vaccinated age group. It is estimated that a quarter of new infections
will be avoided by extending the vaccine to boys,” said Ms Plibersek.
An Australian innovation, the vaccine protects against four important genotypes of the human papillomavirus (HPV).
The HPV vaccination program for boys is expected to cost $21.1 million
over four years. This will include an information campaign, a vaccine
register and monitoring of adverse reactions.
Ms Plibersek said
the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee had recommended last
year that the HPV vaccination program be extended to boys following a
review of its cost effectiveness.
She said the Australian
Government would work with all states and territories to implement the
boys’ vaccination program in high schools.