Pharmacists Solution

📘 Australian Immunisation Handbook 🧬 9vHPV (Gardasil 9) 🗓️ AIH updated 19 Jan 2026

For pharmacist clinical decision support. This tool reflects ATAGI / Australian Immunisation Handbook recommendations for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. It supports — but does not replace — your professional judgement. Confirm vaccination history on AIR and check NIP funding eligibility before administering.

1 Patient age

Age at the time of (or planned for) the first dose drives the dose schedule.

Age in years

Optimal age is 12–13 years. Vaccine can be given from 9 years.

2 Risk groups & clinical factors

Tick all that apply. These determine recommendation and the number of doses.

Severely immunocompromising condition Primary immunodeficiency / inborn errors of immunity, HIV, malignancy, haematopoietic stem cell transplant, solid organ transplant, or immunosuppressive therapy. Recommended at any age — needs 3 doses. Asplenia or hyposplenia (no other immunocompromise) Not considered higher risk for HPV — managed the same as immunocompetent (1 dose if 9–25 years). Man who has sex with men (MSM) Recommended at any age if not previously vaccinated, due to higher risk of persistent HPV infection and anal cancer. Currently pregnant HPV vaccine is not recommended in pregnancy. Defer doses until after pregnancy. Breastfeeding Breastfeeding women can receive HPV vaccine. Child aged <9 with risk of HPV exposure e.g. history of sexual abuse or diagnosed STI. Vaccine may be considered; a subsequent dose is given as routine from ≥9 years (ideally 12–13).

3 Prior HPV vaccination

Includes any earlier 2vHPV (Cervarix), 4vHPV (Gardasil) or 9vHPV (Gardasil 9) doses.

No previous HPV doses Started but not completed a course Complete the schedule with 9vHPV using the appropriate dose numbers and minimum intervals. Completed a full age-appropriate 2v / 4v / 9v course No catch-up routinely recommended — extra benefit of 9v is marginal.

4 Contraindication screen

Anaphylaxis to any of the following is an absolute contraindication.

Anaphylaxis after a previous dose of HPV vaccine Anaphylaxis to any component of HPV vaccine Anaphylaxis to yeast

HPV Vaccine Checker

1 Patient age

2 Risk groups & clinical factors

3 Prior HPV vaccination

4 Contraindication screen