From the Nurses Desk

HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) & VACCINATION

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral STI. The viral infection often is symptom free and can cause cancer and warts. The virus can affect anyone who is or has been sexually active, even if they have only experienced sexual contact once. That is why it is important to ALWAYS practice safe sex by using barrier protection.

There are over 200 strains of HPV with around 40 strains affecting the genitals. Nine out of 10people will have HPV at some time in their lives. Most people do not experience any symptoms andthe virus often goes away by itself, but some will experience abnormal cell changes which can slowlylead to abnormal cell growth or cancer. Prevention via vaccination and early detection via STI screening safeguards against reducing the threat of transmission and, or early detection / treatment.

THE HPV VACCINE

The HPV vaccine is available free-of-charge for people aged 12 to 25 years through schools in Y7, local councils, GPs and some local pharmacies. Associated costs may occur at GPs or pharmacies. Adolescents who missed the HPV vaccination at 12 to 13 years of age can catch up for free up to age 26. Only 1 single dose is now required. 

The HPV vaccine protects against 9 strains of HPV that cause almost all cases of cervical cancer, other HPV-related cancers, and genital warts. It prevents the disease caused by HPV but does not treat existing HPV infections. The vaccine is most effective when given to someone before they become sexually active, that is, before they are exposed to HPV.

REGULAR CERVICAL SCREENING TESTS EVERY 5 YEARS

All women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 74 years old should have a cervical screening test every five years to reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Fiona Keech – Adolescent Health Nurse

https://www.hpvvaccine.org.au/downloads/hpv-fact-sheet.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72dzucwg2v4&t=9s

https://www.cancervic.org.au/cancer-information/screening/cervical-screening

Decrimialisation of public drunkenness in Victoria

Public intoxication is no longer against the law or a criminal offense.  Police cannot arrest you just for being affected by alcohol in public. If however you break the law while drunk, police have the right and may arrest you.

Previously many people charged with public intoxication were taken into police custody to sober up, rather than their home or another place of safety. Now a health-based model is in place if you are drunk in a public space and need assistance. It is no longer against the law to be intoxicated in public in Victoria. Police cannot arrest or fine you for being drunk. They can & will respond if you are affected by alcohol in public and look like you need support.

Police will respond if they are:

• Patrolling in the area
• Notified because a law is being broken (you can be fined or arrested for this) 
• Called because there is a serious risk that you or others are about to be harmed.

Under the health-based model, police can only support you if you agree and you do not have to agree to everything. For example, you may agree to getting support where you are but not to going somewhere else. You can change your mind at any time. Respectful communication is expected from both. 

If you do not agree to getting support, or you change your mind, your decision must be respected.  If you need medical attention, police will call an ambulance, even if you do not agree.

If you are under 18 and affected by alcohol in public, police may support you by contacting your parent, guardian, or carer. 

Fiona Keech

Adolescent Health Nurse

https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/public-intoxication