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What if I told you there's a vaccine that can prevent cancer? Not treat it - prevent it. HPV vaccination is one of the most powerful tools we have, and too many people in our community simply don't know enough about it.
HPV, or human papillomavirus is incredibly common - most people will come into contact with it at some point in their lives. The good news is that we have two powerful tools to protect against it: vaccination and screening.
The vaccine
The HPV vaccine is free for young people in New Zealand and is one of the most effective ways to prevent several cancers later in life - including cervical, throat and mouth cancers. And let’s bust this myth right now - it's not just for girls; around one third of HPV-related cancers affect males, so it matters for everyone.
According to latest stats from Te Whatu Ora, current vaccination rates among 15-year-olds are sitting at around 59%, and even lower for Māori and Pacific young people. There are a lot of tamariki who could still benefit, so if your child missed a dose at school, it's not too late - just give your GP a call, the vaccine is free for people aged 9-26 years.
Cervical screening
If you have a cervix, regular screening is also important - even if you have had the vaccine. Te Whatu Ora tell us that since the HPV self-test became available in September 2023, over 870,000 people have taken part, with more than 80% choosing to self-test - which means you can do it yourself, in private - no more speculum. National coverage has lifted from 67% to over 75% as a result, but we still have a long way to go.
Remember, both tools work together - the vaccine helps prevent infection, and screening catches any early changes before they become something more serious.
If you're unsure whether you or your tamariki are up to date, pop in and see us. We're here to help.