Whanganui District Health Board is watching closely to see if public submissions support Pharmac's proposed changes to its human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation schedule.
Proposed changes include widening funded access to include males and females aged 26 and under, funding a two-dose regimen rather than a three-dose regimen for those aged 14 and under, and adding a three-dose schedule for those aged 15-26.
It is also proposed the 4 valent (Gardasil) vaccine would be replaced with the 9 valent (Gardasil 9) vaccine, and females who have started a three-dose regimen of Gardasil would be able to complete their remaining doses in 2017.
The HPV vaccine immunises against a variety of cancers such as cervical cancer, as well as genital warts and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (warts in the trachea). HPV is also indirectly responsible for some adverse pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage and low birth weight.
Submissions on the proposed changes closed on June 20.