Cervical cancer and HPV. Where pharmacists can make a difference
Tracks
| Saturday, August 1, 2026 |
| 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM |
| C2.2 + C2.3 |
Details
Two out of 10 adolescents had not received any human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine doses by age 15 (NCIRS). Pharmacists are in a unique position to help Australia move closer to eliminating cervical cancer through everyday conversations and vaccine advocacy. With the HPV vaccine available in pharmacies, there are new opportunities for pharmacists to promote protection, address vaccine hesitancy and encourage screening reminders.
This session explores practical ways pharmacists can be involved in cervical cancer prevention. Learn how to start meaningful vaccination conversations, identify patients who may be due or overdue for protection, and strengthen your role in community awareness and prevention programs.
Learning objectives:
• Identify current recommendations and eligibility for HPV vaccination in Australia.
• Discuss practical ways pharmacists can promote HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention.
• Recognise opportunities to integrate vaccine promotion and screening reminders into everyday consultations.
Competency standards (2016): 1.6, 2.4, 3.1, 3.6
Speakers
Kath Tapper
CNC
NCIRS
Cervical cancer and HPV. Where pharmacists can make a difference
Biography
Kath is a Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) with post-graduate qualifications in Immunisation, Child & Family Health, Infection Control and a Master of Public Health. Kath joined AusVaxSafety in 2021 and supports the team in the review of notifiable AEFI as well data collection for several studies. Kath has 12 years of experience in the Public Health Unit network as Immunisation Coordinator (Northern Sydney PHU and Illawarra Shoalhaven PHU). She previously worked at NCIRS from 2010 to 2015 as the Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) CNC. Kath’s particular interest is making sure AEFIs are followed up thoroughly to ensure public confidence in the vaccination program remains high.
