Anna Thorpe, Mātanga Hauora Taupori / Population Health Specialist at Pegasus Health, is passionate about the eradication of the human papillomavirus (HPV), the cause of more than 95% of cervical cancer.
“The HPV vaccine prevents HPV cancers. The vaccination programme is the first line of defense against cervical cancer.
“We know what can be done. Australia began their HPV vaccination programme earlier than we did and they’re seeing great results. In New Zealand, HPV vaccination is offered in school at Year 8 and parental consent can be challenging to get as it isn’t bundled with the other pre-teen vaccinations.
After Year 8 it’s up to general practices to do checks and recalls. Anna supports opportunistic vaccination. “We know practices are under so much pressure. Taking a whānau-centric approach and looking at what immunisations and screenings the whole family needs, makes it easier for the whānau and is an effective approach.”
Read more about the Cervical and HPV work by Pegasus teams and staff: