To the beginning of April, nationally about 48% of girls born between 1992 and 1996 had started the programme, while in Otago the figure was 57% of girls in this age group (3197).
The other age group where Otago was well above the national rate was for girls born in 1997 where the national coverage is 36%.
In Otago it is 57% (568 girls).
Girls of this age have been part of the school-based programme, while the older age group, those born in 1990 and 1991 who have wanted the vaccination, have received it through general practices.
Half of the women in this age group (1735) have started the programme compared with 45% nationally.
Otago project leader for the HPV vaccination programme, Jo-Anne Skinner, said women in this age group had until the end of next year to start the programme.
She anticipated rates for the programme would rise as the programme became bedded in.
Girls who have chosen to receive their vaccinations as part of the school-based programme this year have received the first two of the three-dose vaccine.
The third doses will be administered in September.
Mrs Skinner said it was not too late for girls to join the programme, but anyone who wanted to do so should contact their GP who could begin the doses.
She noted that there had been improvements to the consent form for the programme following concerns raised last year.
The DVD for the programme had also been revamped.
Concerns were raised about the DVD last year including claims it was unbalanced, misleading and fear-based.
Mrs Skinner said in Otago the DVD had always been presented with someone to provide additional information to viewers.
Mostly, inquiries from parents and girls sought extra information which the team was happy to provide.
It was important that people had accurate information on which to make decisions.
• The HPV vaccination programme is expected to cost $177 million over five years and began in September 2008.
The vaccine is designed to protect against four strains of HPV, including two which are believed to be responsible for the development of 70% of all cervical cancers.
