To the Editor: Australia’s world-leading government-funded National Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Program for women aged 12–26 years is made up of two components: an ongoing school-based program and a time-limited catch-up program delivered through schools, general practices and community vaccination services. The catch-up program started in April 2007 and was due to finish by July 2009, but has been extended to 31 December 2009 to allow women to complete the three-dose schedule.
The full article is accessible to AMA members and paid subscribers. Login to read more or purchase a subscription now.
Please note: institutional and Research4Life access to the MJA is now provided through Wiley Online Library.
- 1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Cervical screening in Australia 2005–2006. Canberra: AIHW, 2008. (Cancer Series No. 41; AIHW Cat. No. CAN 36.)
- 2. Brotherton JML, Deeks SM, Campbell-Lloyd S, et al. Interim estimates of human papillomavirus vaccination coverage in the school-based program in Australia. Commun Dis Intell 2008; 32: 457-461.
- 3. Information for health professionals. Melbourne: National HPV Vaccination Program Register. http://www.hpvregister.org.au/health-professionals/ (accessed Jul 2009).
We thank Jenny Anderson, Natalie Herd and Carol Chenco for their work on the telephone survey.
PapScreen Victoria funded the telephone survey. Julia Brotherton has previously been involved with epidemiological studies of HPV in which some unrestricted funding was received from GlaxoSmithKline and CSL, and HPV testing of samples was provided by Merck through funding by CSL.