The Australian government has announced to shift from two doses to a single dose of the Gardasil9 human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for routine immunisation of young people under the National Immunisation Programme (NIP).

The free catch-up programme for young people who have missed vaccination has also been extended from the current 19 years of age to people under 26 years of age.

Young people (except those who are immunocompromised) who receive a single dose before 26 years of age are now considered fully vaccinated and don’t need further doses.

The change is based on the latest international scientific and clinical evidence which shows a single dose gives comparable protection against HPV infection in healthy young people.

It is supported by the government’s expert advisory group, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), the World Health Organisation immunisation expert group and the United Kingdom’s immunisation expert group.

The HPV vaccine is delivered free through school immunisation programmes for children aged 12-13. Catch-up vaccination is provided through immunisation clinics at schools or through a General Practitioner, community pharmacy or other primary care providers.