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FAQ

Who is at risk of HPV?

Page last updated 04 April 2022

HPV is very common in both men and women, with initial infection occurring closely after a sexual encounter. Although it is common among young Australians, it is important to note that it is not only a young person’s disease.

It is thought that up to 80% of males and females who have had any kind of sexual activity involving genital contact will be infected with at least one of the types of genital HPV at some time in their life.

Those at increased risk include:

  • men who have sex with men
  • adults with a weakened immune system.

Sources & Citations

1. Queensland Government Department of Health. Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Available at: http://conditions.health.qld.gov.au/HealthCondition/condition/14/217/80/human-papillomavirus-hpv (accessed 14 December 2021).

3. Australian Government Department of Health. The Australian Immunisation Handbook – Human papillomavirus (HPV). Available at: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/vaccine-preventable-diseases/human-papillomavirus-hpv (accessed 14 December 2021).

4. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Genital HPV Infection – Fact Sheet. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm (accessed 14 December 2021).

MAT-AU-2102490  Date of preparation March 2022

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