HPV Vaccination

School-Based Immunisation Programme

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation is free for boys and girls aged 9 – 26 years. The HPV vaccine (Gardasil9) protects against future infection from nine types of HPV that lead to cervical, anal, genital, mouth and throat cancers, as well as genital warts.  The HPV vaccine is the final immunisation given as part of New Zealand’s free childhood immunisation programme.

Boostrix is a vaccine that provides active booster immunisation against three serious diseases: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Whooping Cough.  Boostrix is administered as part of the National Immunisation Schedule at 11 years of age.

Eligibility

In the past, year 8 students were offered the HPV vaccine at school as part of the School-Based Immunisation Programme (SBIP).  In Otago, Public Health Nurses from Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Southern vaccinate the students.   In Southland, Nurses from WellSouth Primary Health Network vaccinate the students.  

 

The SBIP is in a transition phase in 2026/27, as we follow direction from Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora to expand the immunisations through this programme. To align with other areas in New Zealand, in addition to the Human Papillomavirus vaccine, the programme will now also include Boostrix (Tdap) for eligible students. As a result of having different delivery teams in the Southern region there are slightly different transition plans.

  • In Southland, WellSouth Primary Health Network will offer Gardasil9 and Boostrix to Year 7 and Year 8 students, with the programme transitioning from 2027 to focus on Year 7 students only. 

  • In Otago, the Public Health Nurses will offer Gardasil9 and Boostrix to Year 8 students in 2026.  In 2027, the programme will include Year 7 students along with a catch-up offer for Year 8 students.  In 2028, Year 7 students will be offered both Boostrix and Gardasil9.

If you missed your HPV vaccination at school and you are under 27 years of age, you can have the immunisation at your General Practice, some Family Planning Clinics and Student Health Centres at no cost.  The WellSouth Immunisation Team based in the Invercargill office can administer the vaccine to all eligible ages at no cost.

If you have started the HPV immunisation course, but are now over 27, you are able to complete the course at no cost.

For those over 27 who have not started the three dose vaccination course, the vaccine can be purchased and administered at your General Practice. The cost is approximately $500.

To contact Otago Public Health Nurses: (03 4769811)

To contact Southland WellSouth Immunisation Nurses: (03 2146436).

Learn more about HPV infection and vaccine at:

The Immunisation Advisory Centre