30-November-2006
Goldstein Media Releases, Health
The cervical cancer vaccination, Gardisal, developed by former Australian of the Year Professor Ian Frazer, was today included in the National Immunisation Program to help reduce the incidences of cervical cancer in the 20,000 women and girls in Bayside under the age of 26.
“Gardisal fights against the human papillomavirus, which causes around 70 per cent of cervical cancers,” said Andrew Robb, the Federal Member for Goldstein.
“This vaccination, which has been proudly developed by an Australian, will go a long way to dramatically reducing the incidences of cervical cancer in Australian women.”
“Bayside girls aged between 12 and 13 will start to receive the vaccinations from April next year through the school based vaccinations programs, and a catch up program will be run for girls aged 13 to 18 also in a school based program. Women aged 18 to 26 will be able to be vaccinated at no cost by their GPs for the next two years commencing in mid 2007.”
“However, all women who receive the vaccination still need to remain vigilant in having regular screenings by their doctor for cervical cancer.”
“I am very pleased that the Federal Government has decided to fund Gardisal as part of the vaccination program, it has the potential to make a big difference to the lives of bayside women.”
For further information on Gardisal or the vaccination program please contact the office on 9557 4644 or visit www.health.gov.au
Media Contact: Kathryn Hodges 0409 132 567