All Year 8 children can receive free immunisations at school against Human Papillomavirus, a common infection that can lead to cancer, following PHARMAC's extension of funding to boys and young men from the beginning of 2017.
Changes to school immunisation programmes, introduced last year, now ensure that boys as well as girls can be protected from several cancers caused by HPV. HPV immunisation is available free for everyone aged 9 to 26 but is most effective when given young. Young people aged 14 years and under need only two doses of the vaccine, while those aged 15 years and older need three doses to be protected.
"Children in Year 8 can get their immunisations through schools, while older children and young adults will need to see their family doctor. Some other health clinics may also provide HPV immunisation," says Ministry of Health Director of Public Health, Dr Caroline McElnay.
"HPV immunisation can significantly reduce HPV-related harm and help prevent HPV cancers which can affect men as well as women later in life. Cervical cancer is the most well-known cancer caused by HPV, but the virus can also cause cancer in the throat, mouth or genital areas. Men have higher rates of HPV-related throat and mouth cancer than women and these rates are increasing. By extending the immunisation programme to boys, we can help reduce head and neck cancers for men."
HPV-related cancers take a long time to develop, and are usually diagnosed in middle age, but the viruses that cause them are transmitted mostly by teenagers and young adults. This is why it's important for children to be immunised when they are young, before they are exposed to the virus.
"Around 80 per cent of people will be exposed to HPV at some point in their life. Protecting children before they are exposed to HPV will protect their health over the long term," says Dr McElnay.
"HPV vaccines have been in use around the world for 10 years now, and we're already seeing their benefits. A recent study found a significant reduction in HPV infection among younger people in multiple countries where the vaccine is offered."
Dr McElnay acknowledged the work of New Zealand's school based immunisation programmes and the schools that host them.
"School based immunisation programmes are internationally regarded as the best way to make sure vaccines are delivered to all children of this age. They are convenient for families, and each school based vaccination team brings with them the equipment they need to respond to any rare emergencies, so parents know their children are in good hands."
For more information about the HPV school immunisation programme, visit www.health.govt.nz/hpv