Publish Date: 
Thursday, October 12, 2017 - 18:15

On Sunday 8 October the Federal Government accounced that the Gardasil9 vaccine would be added to the National Immunisation Program. 

Gardasil9 protects against 9 strains of Human Pampiloma Virus giving 90% protection against cervical cancer, a 20% improvement on the original Gardasil vaccine. Only two injections are now required instead of three. 

The improved vaccine will be available in 2018 and will be administered to all school children aged between 12 and 13. 

Professor Ian Frazer was founding CEO of the Traslational Research Institute and was awarded Australian of the Year in 2006 for the discovery and development of the Gardasil vaccine. 

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said "I am delighted that Australia will lead the world in the introduction of Gardasil9...We will be able to have a real shot at eliminating this virus and to take an Australian discovery and development to the world. 

Related Articles: 

Link to Prime Minister of Australia Malcom Turnbull Media Release

ABC New HPV vaccine will see 'huge reductions' in rate of cerical cancer, doctors say

ABC Gardasil 9: What will the improved vaccine protect against?