Genital warts and HPV

Two types of HPV vaccine are currently available from your doctor. Both vaccines protect against the two HPV strains (16 and 18) associated with cervical cancer, but only Gardasil protects against the two HPV strains (6 and 11) that cause most genital warts.

In Australia, girls in year 7 of secondary school, or those aged 12 to 13 years, are offered free vaccination against HPV. From 2013, the vaccine program was extended to include boys, so both boys and girls in year 7 are offered Gardasil® vaccine through an ongoing school-based program. In 2013 and 2014, boys in year 9 of secondary school, or those aged 14 to 15 years will be offered the Gardasil® vaccine as part of a time-limited catch-up program.


The vaccine provides best protection if it is completed before a person becomes sexually active. The three-dose course of Gardasil vaccine should be completed. Dose two is given two months after dose one and dose three is given four months after dose two.