Cervical Cancer Vaccine

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Girls and young women can now be protected from the most common causes of cervical cancer. The cervical cancer vaccine is available free to young women born in 1990 and 1991, and from early 2009 for girls and young women aged 12 to 18.

What is cervical cancer?

• Cervical Cancer is cancer of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus or womb and is at the top of vagina.
• Cervical cancer develops when abnormal cells grow on the cervix.

What causes cervical cancer?

• Cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a very common virus that is spread through sexual contact. Four out of five people become infected at some time during their lifetime.
• Most HPV infections clear by themselves, but some types can cause cell charges on the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer many years later.

Who should have the cervical cancer vaccine?

• The vaccine is available FREE to girls and young women aged 12 to 18.
• From September 2008, young women born in 1990 or 1991 can get the vaccine from their doctor, practice nurse or health clinic.
• From 2009, most other girls and young women aged 12 to 18 will get the vaccine at school.

For more information about the free cervical cancer vaccine, talk to your doctor, practice nurse or health clinic, visit www.cervicalcancervaccine.govt.nz or phone 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863)