Researchers say the new vaccine could prevent children from getting cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer could be almost completely eliminated, research has found, thanks to a new vaccine being reviewed by Australia's pharmaceutical authority.
A Melbourne-based study, led by the Royal Women's Hospital and Victorian Cytology Service, looked at nearly 900 samples of cervical cancer, and found the Gardasil vaccine being given to students in their first year of secondary school protects against 77 per cent of them.
The study published in the International Journal of Cancer found the new Gardasil 9 vaccine protected against 93 per cent of cancers.
The lead researcher, Associate Professor Julia Brotherton, said the research was very exciting.
"The possibility that we can now prevent our children being infected with this cancer-causing virus, I just think that's amazing."
Dr Brotherton said Gardasil 9 was being used in the US and New Zealand.
Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee [PBAC] is reviewing how cost-effective the new vaccine is for Australia, and a decision is due later this month.
Professor Brotherton said she expected the committee would consider the research.
"I'm very hopeful that this vaccine will become available to young people in the first year of high school when we give the vaccine, hopefully as early as next year," she said.
Another benefit to the new vaccine is that it requires fewer injections.
The current vaccine given to young people requires three doses.
But Professor Brotherton said if it was administered before the age of 14, the new vaccine only required two doses.
The study was conducted in partnership with cancer pathology laboratories in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
XillaKato on August 10th, 2017 at 17:42 UTC »
So I got the original Gardisal when I was in high school but this one covers 5 more strains...do I...upgrade and get it again? Lol. Is that how that works?
oreosinmymouth on August 10th, 2017 at 15:46 UTC »
Just to clarify it's a vaccine against the human papilloma virus (HPV) which causes cancer. Not actually a vaccine against cancer. Great stride for humanity.
DisNameTho on August 10th, 2017 at 13:43 UTC »
PSA: make sure to get vaccinated! if you're under 26 you can still get it at your doctor's office or at planned parenthood. Even if you've had sex before you can still get the vaccine. Women and men should get vaccinated for this! Protect yourself and your partner!
edit: Thank you /u/monarc for the recommendation Gardisil can be given to anyone regardless of age, however it is recommended by the FDA for people who are under 26 years old to receive it. The reason behind it is because older people, especially those who are in their 20's and/or sexually active might already be exposed to a type of strain of the virus, therefore making the vaccine less effective than to a recipient who is 11 or 12