Catching an HPV infection is a common side effect of the HPV vaccine.
Spread on: Facebook video posted by an Australian user, viewed more than 570,000 times (September 2026)
The real story
The HPV vaccine contains no live or inactivated virus, so it has no way to infect anyone with HPV, and infection is not listed as a side effect. Experts told AAP FactCheck the claim ignores the basic science. The vaccine, which was developed in Australia, is recommended for all adolescents in Australia and New Zealand.
The fact-checker's verdict: “False”. Our label never goes further than theirs.
Ask what is actually in a vaccine: if it contains no live virus, claims that it gives you the infection do not add up.
The receipts
Viral clip spreads misinformation on Australian-developed HPV vaccines ↗
AAP FactCheck · 2026-09-08
