HPV Vaccine at the Pharmacy in Newport

The HPV vaccine protects against human papillomavirus, a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause several cancers and genital warts. Most young people receive it in Year 7 through school. If you missed that dose or need more than one, having the HPV vaccine at the pharmacy is a simple way to catch up, and NSW pharmacists can give it from 9 years of age.

Who should have it

The immunisation handbook recommends the vaccine for:

• young people aged 9 to 25
• people with significant immunocompromising conditions
• men who have sex with men, at any age

It works best when given before any exposure to the virus, which is why the school program offers it in early high school. Vaccination does not clear an infection you already have, but it can still guard against other types covered by the vaccine. The vaccine used under the national program is Gardasil 9.

Free catch-up and cost

Under the National Immunisation Program the HPV vaccine is free for adolescents aged about 12 to 13, and anyone who missed it can catch up free until their 26th birthday. People aged 12 to 25 with specified medical risk conditions receive three free doses.

Children aged 9 to 11 and adults 26 and over pay a fee for the HPV vaccine at a pharmacy. For those two age groups the NSW Health guidance recommends referral to a doctor, so the pharmacist may suggest you see your GP first. Talk to the pharmacist about cost and eligibility when you come in.

How many doses you need

A single dose is enough for healthy people who start between 9 and 25 years of age. People with a weakened immune system need three doses. In the rare cases where an adult aged 26 or over is advised to have the vaccine, the course is also three doses: the second 8 weeks after the first, and the third 16 weeks after that.

HPV vaccine at the pharmacy: on the day

1. Drop in while we are open; there is nothing to book.
2. Bring photo ID, your Medicare card if you have one, and any vaccination records.
3. Not sure whether you had it at school? Your immunisation history statement will show it.
4. The injection is given in a private consultation area, and you wait at least 15 minutes afterwards.

Other vaccines you may be due for are listed under walk-in vaccinations. Teenagers also receive a whooping cough booster at school, and anyone heading overseas can ask about travel vaccination and the hepatitis B vaccine, or read our guide to pharmacist travel vaccinations.

After the injection

A sore, red or swollen arm at the injection site is the most common reaction. Some people get a mild fever, headache or nausea, which usually settles within a couple of days. Call triple zero (000) straight away if there are signs of a severe allergic reaction. The HPV vaccine should not be given to anyone who has had anaphylaxis to a previous dose or to yeast.

Common questions