Cervical Cancer Vaccine

On 28 August 2006, a vaccine against the human papillomavirus (HPV), became available in Australia. The vaccine was developed by Australian of the Year Professor Ian Frazer and his late colleague, Dr Jian Zhou. The vaccine is being marketed under the name GARDISAL®.

The human papillomavirus is a common virus that infects the body's skin and mucous membranes. There are over 100 types of the human papillomavirus and some of these are sexually transmitted, infecting the genital area. These types are referred to as genital HPV. Some types of genital HPV cause cancer of the cervix as well as other anogenital cancers (eg. vulval, vaginal, penile, anal). These types are referred to as high-risk types. Other types of genital HPV cause genital warts and are referred to as low-risk types.

The vaccine prevents infection by four types of genital HPV; 6, 11, 16 and 18. Types 6 and 11 are responsible for 90% of genital warts. Types 16 and 18 account for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases. The vaccine works by mimicking the disease and creating resistance. It is referred to as a recombinant vaccine and does not contain the HPV virus. It requires three doses (injections) which are given over a 6 month period. At present the length of immunity provided by the vaccine is not fully known and, therefore, it is possible that an additional dose of the vaccine may be required (a booster).

Clinical trials of the vaccine have been carried out around the world. Over 20 000 women aged 16 to 26 were involved in the placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomised trials. The vaccine was shown to be 95-100% effective against HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18. Side effects included pain, swelling, itching and redness at the site of the injection and fever.

In Australia , the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved the use of the vaccine in girls aged nine to 26 years of age. The vaccine has also been approved in boys aged nine to 15 years. The age brackets have been determined by the research data currently available on the vaccine. The vaccine is most effective when administered at an early age and before the start of sexual activity (and, therefore, exposure to genital HPV).

The vaccine is currently not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule (PBS). The cost is approximately $150 a dose ($450 for the three doses). The distributors of the vaccine have applied to the Pharmacy Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) for Government funding of the vaccine.

It is important that women know that the vaccine is not a substitute for regular Pap smears. As the vaccine only provides protection from 70% of the HPV types which cause cervical cancer, women who have ever had sex still need to have two yearly Pap smears.

Another HPV vaccine, CERVARIX®, is currently seeking approval from the TGA. It prevents infection from HPV types 16 and 18.

For more information on the HPV vaccine, contact our Health Information Line.

Further help and information from Women's Health Queensland Wide

Health Information Line:
Our free statewide line is staffed by women's health nurses and midwives. They provide women with up to date information, support and referral to health practitioners and services. Women can contact the Health Information Line by phone or email via the 'Ask a Health Question' page on the website. All phone calls and emails are confidential.
(07) 3839 9988 or 1800 017 676 (toll free outside Brisbane)

Library:
Our free lending library offers a select range of books on major women's health topics. Topic-based booklists are availableon our website, or can be posted out; books can be requested by phone or email and are posted to borrowers.
Contact on administration : (07) 3839 9962

Website:
All our factsheets and booklets are available on our website. The website also features articles on women's health from our newsletter, student factsheets, upcoming events, library services and 'Ask a Health Question' page. A list of reputable links is also available where women can search for further information on health topics.
www.womhealth.org.au

This article was written by Kirsten Braun and reviewed by the Editorial Committee for Health Journey, Vol 3 2006.

Please note that this article is an archive. While every effort was made to ensure the information was accurate at the time of publication, the article has not been updated since this time. 

Last Modified: September 20, 2006