Cervical Screening and HPV screen
All women and people with a cervix aged 25 – 69 who have ever had intimate skin-to-skin contact or been sexually active should have regular cervical screening. This includes women who have been immunised against HPV. Together, regular screening and HPV immunisation provide the best protection against cervical cancer.
There are now more options for how you have cervical screening done:
- a simple vaginal swab test for HPV, either done yourself or with help from a healthcare professional
- a cervical sample taken by a healthcare professional (used to be known as a smear test).
Talk with your healthcare provider to decide which option is best for you.
If HPV is found, you may need to have a follow-up test or be referred directly for colposcopy.
If you’ve not yet had HPV testing, you should be screened 3 years after your last test (or 1 year if immune deficient). Once you have had an HPV test, and providing HPV is not found, your next screening will be in 5 years (or 3 years if immune deficient).
For more information: Cervical screening | Time to Screen - National Screening Unit
Primary HPV screening is extended to age 75. You are encouraged to have it. Some priority groups and people with a current Community Service Card may qualify for free screening. You can have self collected HPV screening too.