Cervical Cancer Vaccine for Australian Women Available in September

On June 23, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration confirmed its approval of Gardasil, the HPV vaccine invented by Australian immunologist Ian Frazer. Starting in September, according to manufacturer CSL, women will be able to obtain a prescription for the vaccine, which will retail at about $460 (US$335). Australian Medical Association (AMA) President Dr. Mukesh Haikerwal said that, while its expense limited the distribution of the vaccine, it was better than nothing. However, Gardasil needs to have universal application to have an effect on mortality rates, he added. To be effective, he said, the vaccine "needs to be available to all young women to prevent cervical cancer. It offers a very real chance of reducing cervical cancer