Does HPV vaccination help individuals who are HPV-positive?
If so, can we use this to prevent more cases of cervical cancer and other HPV-driven cancers!
Express your interest to be a consumer partner
We know that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination very effectively prevents HPV infection, but there has been very little data collected looking at the effects of the HPV vaccine for individuals who are already HPV-positive.
Australia has had a school-based vaccination program since 2007 (for year 7 girls, boys have been included since 2013), providing protection before HPV is acquired. However, adult Australians that were exposed to the virus before the vaccination programs began are still at risk of developing HPV-related cancers in the coming decades, including cervical cancer.
In this project researchers will invite people who are un-vaccinated and test positive for HPV infection (identified through the National Cervical Cancer Screening Program) to participate in a randomised clinical trial to help determine if the HPV vaccine can influence the body’s ability to clear the virus, resolve the infection, and reduce the risk developing cervical cancer.
Why get involved?
- Help us to ensure we prioritise the needs of the community in this research
- Co-design the invitation and information for trial participants with researchers
- Make sure we share important research findings better with the community
It is important to us that we listen to, and work with, people from all backgrounds, experiences and age groups. Thus we welcome and encourage applications from all members of our community.
To apply download and complete an expression of interest form and return to involvement@qimrb.edu.au before Friday 1 August 2025.
Who are we looking for?
1-3 consumers who have lived-experience (as a patient, carer or close family member) with one or more of the below:
- a HPV-positive screening result
- diagnosis with persistent HPV infection
- cervical cancer
Individuals who are happy to share their story, give feedback on project direction for grant applications, and help to translate the findings to the community.
If you wish to partner with us anonymously we will respect for your privacy by meeting privately and not mentioning you by name in association with the project.
Consumers will not be expected to be public ambassadors for this research or assist with dissemination unless they are comfortable and motivated to do so.
What is involved?
- Firstly researchers would like to meet with you for about 1-hour in late-August or early September to share more details about the research and collect your feedback to assist with preparations for a grant application due in November. This meeting can be held at QIMR Berghofer, on the phone, or online via zoom.
- If the grant is successful, there will be more opportunities to be involved as the project progresses.
Thank you
For those wishing to attend in-person we can provide free parking at the Institute, or cover the cost of parking nearby.
Funding has not been secured for this project, and there is no guarantee the grant bid will be successful. This means that we cannot offer remuneration for the time given during the pre-funding period. If the proposal is funded, consumers will be compensated for the time already given to the project, as well as future involvement activities following QIMR Berghofer’s remuneration schedule.
Are you interested in this opportunity?
Download and complete an expression of interest form and return to involvement@qimrb.edu.au before Friday 1 August 2025.