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World-first HPV vaccination plan will protect young Australian men from cancer

current cancer researchYoung Australian males will receive the HPV vaccine (Gardasil) free of charge in a world-first public health measure that will help prevent a range of cancers.

Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek announced the plan yesterday at the Diamantina Institute in Queensland, where the vaccine was developed by Professor Ian Frazer and his team.

The HPV vaccine has already contributed to a decrease in pre-cancerous cervical lesions in young women.

When administered to males, it will help prevent cancers of the genital tract, some types of head and neck cancers, and it will also enhance the vaccine’s effectiveness in women.

Boys aged 12 – 13 will receive the vaccine through school-based programs under the National Immunisation Program, with Year 9 boys also included in a two-year catch-up plan. Continue reading “World-first HPV vaccination plan will protect young Australian men from cancer”