Let's talk HPV
Protect yourself and your whānau from HPV and cervical cancer.
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HPV is really common. About 80% of adults get it at some point.
Some types of HPV can lead to cancer.
But you can prevent it.
Protect yourself and your whānau from cervical cancer
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Get vaccinated against HPV
9-26 years old
HPV vaccination protects against the strains of HPV that lead to cervical cancer, anal and throat cancers, and most genital warts. It’s free for all New Zealand residents aged 9-26. People with a penis can’t get cervical cancer, but they can get these other types of cancers and genital warts – and can pass HPV on. Protect yourself, your sexual partners, and your whānau with HPV vaccination.
The HPV vaccine is most effective at age 11 or 12 – this is when it’s offered to many tamariki at school. Or you can get it from your local medical centre, pharmacy, or some of our clinics.
You can also get the HPV vaccination if you’re 27 or older, or if you’re not a New Zealand resident – but you'll have to pay.
Find out about getting the HPV vaccine
Get cervical screening
25-70 years old
Cervical screening saves lives. It’s how we check if you have the types of HPV or cell changes that could develop into cervical cancer. You need to do it every three or five years from the age of 25 to 70.
There are two types of cervical screening:
- HPV self-test
- Cervical sample (also known as a smear test)
The HPV self-test is a new type of test where you – or a nurse or doctor – use a swab to take a sample of cells from your vagina. Lots of people find it easier and more comfortable than a cervical sample. And there’s now an even easier way to do it, with our at-home HPV test.
Find out more:
- What's the difference between the two types of screening?
- Can I do an HPV self-test?
- Where can I get cervical screening?
- Get an at-home HPV test
Further testing or treatment
Testing positive for HPV or cell changes doesn’t mean you have cervical cancer. Often your body gets rid of HPV by itself. But you will need further tests to check. And you might need to get cervical screening more often.
Sometimes people need treatment to remove any area of cell changes. It’s important to get treatment early. Early treatment of cell changes is almost always successful in preventing cancer.