Free Cervical Cancer Vaccine Ends Soon

12 June 2009

Time is running out for 18 to 26 year old women to take up the offer of a free cervical cancer vaccine and I would like to encourage all Queensland Health staff to remind their friends and family about the program.

The Australian Government is funding the free vaccination program, however the funding ends on June 30.

The vaccine is administered as a series of three injections over a 6-month period.  To be eligible you must start the course with your first dose on or before 30 June 2009, and complete all remaining doses by 31 December.

So see your GP before June 30 and help guard against cervical cancer.  Please note that while the vaccine is free, you may still be charged a consultation fee.

For more information on the National HPV Vaccination Program;

-          visit the Immunise Australia website at www.immunise.health.gov.au

or see the Queensland Health fact sheets on;

-          human papillomavirus and immunisation  http://access.health.qld.gov.au/hid/InfectionsandParasites/ImmunisationandVaccination/humanPapillomavirusAndImmunisation_ap.asp and the

-          HPV vaccine  http://access.health.qld.gov.au/hid/InfectionsandParasites/ImmunisationandVaccination/nationalHumanPapillomavirusHpvVaccinationProgramHpvVaccine_ap.asp .