Red_V_Roger

Posting to get info for the wife...

On TV they've been advertising an 'innoculation' for cervical cancer.

Does anyone know any general age restrictions, previous history, etc that applies to this 'treatment'.

Does anyone know if it is available free for 457 holders (doubt it) and if she has to pay, what the cost is?

JoolsB

Not sure about in Aus but in UK (dont quote me on this!) I believe the cervical HPV jab is only currently available to women up to 26 years old and probably most beneficial if given at 11-12 yrs before becoming sexually active.

bcworld

The vaccine is aimed at young women as I think its most effective if adminstered before becoming sexually active. Its free for women between 12 and 26.

Red_V_Roger

That will be perfect for my wife !

biggy

Ozzidoc

Correct.

Definitely not worth getting once one has become sexually active, unless one has had a special test (cant remember the name) to ascertain if the HPV virus is present and exactly which strain is present, and then if that strain is not covered by the vaccine. (This is COMPLETELY different to a Pap smear which looks at cellular changes.) All at great expense to the consumer.

The best thing that all women who have been sexually active with a man can do is to have timely smear tests.

bcworld

LOL....dats funny!

vivi

If your wife is over 26 then she can get Cervarix also a vaccine but covers different strains. Cost is about $450!

Ozzidoc

There are over 100 strains. The vaccine covers four. The vaccine does not offer any protection if the woman already has one of the four strains. Depending on which scientific article you read, 25 - 45% of females already have HPV by their mid 20s.

Lavinia

The vaccine covers four strains, two of which are assumed to be main triggers for cervical cancer. It is unlikely that someone has all four of the strains, and as long as that isn't the case the vaccine still beneficial, i.e. if a woman carries one strain, the vaccine will still protect against the other three, and the subject is worth to be taken up with the GP.

It is recommended before sexual activity is commenced, but if that option is missed, the vaccine is nevertheless beneficial.

In view of the fact that the vaccine is fairly new, I can understand apprehension with regard to long term side effects, and will put off the vaccination for my daughter off as long as possible. But there is no question that she will be vaccinated.

Lavinia

suzimc

Does anyone know if there are any exceptions (or if it will actually be effective anyway) if you are over 26 but have history of cervical cancer in your family?

Red_V_Roger

What I can't understand is that if the innoculation is for women under 26 or best before they become sexually active, why does the government advert generally show middle aged to older women???

walaj

The other thing I noticed about the ad, was that it is free for a limited time (does not say how long and not sure if that is nation or state wide).

Cookster

Roger Cook
St Helens, England
Me and the wife (Lin) arrived on 457 in Sydney 10/9/07 Living Gymea Bay, Sydney 'ish
PS: Captain Cook was my great,great,great, great Grandad (maybe)

The above made me laugh....... we must be related to him too as we were both born in Middlesbrough!!!

Red_V_Roger

I've come to use the following phrase now when poeople who ask my name can't understand me in Oz.

"My name is Cook, as in Captain"

Gets a laugh...from most.