Human Papillomavirus (HPV) - Diseases and Vaccines

Immunisation
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Virus
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that causes warts on the skin and the genital area. There are many types of HPV. Some high-risk types of HPV may lead to chronic genital infection and, years later, to cancer of the cervix. The HPV vaccine GARDASIL^®, to be used for the New Zealand programme, protects against the most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer and genital warts (HPV types 16 and 18, causing around 70% of all cervical cancers, and HPV types 6 and 11, causing around 90% of genital warts).

Vaccine
This disease is covered on the New Zealand Immunisation Schedule. The vaccine used is GARDASIL^®.

How is it spread
HPV is spread by direct skin to skin contact during sexual activity with a person who has the virus.

The vaccine is best given to girls before they start sexual activity.

Symptoms and illness
Most people with HPV genital infection have no symptoms and clear the virus without treatment. Others will need treatment for genital warts. If a woman has a chronic infection with one of the high-risk types she may develop changes in the cells of the cervix and have an abnormal cervical smear test. Years later, without treatment, the HPV infection may lead to cancer of the cervix, vulva, or vagina. Men may develop cancer of the penis.

For women who have regular cervical screening the New Zealand Cervical Screening Programme has successfully decreased the number of women developing cervical cancer. All women should have a regular cervical smear test every three years from the age of 20 until they turn 70 if they have ever been sexually active.

Severe risks associated with HPV infection

Chronic infection with HPV 16 and 18 and other high-risk types lead to an abnormal cervical smear test and if not treated can lead to cervical cancer.
HPV types 16 and 18 cause around 70% of cervical cancers.
In New Zealand (without HPV vaccination), 160 women are diagnosed with and 60 women die from cervical cancer.

Severe risks associated with the vaccine

No severe side effects were seen in large clinical trials.

The programme
View information on the HPV immunisation programme.

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Page last updated: 13 June 2008