HPV Vaccine

What is HPV?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common group of viruses that can affect the skin and mucous membranes. Certain high-risk types of HPV can cause cervical cancer and other cancers, as well as genital warts.

Who should get the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is routinely offered to children in the UK, but it can also be given privately to those who missed vaccination at school or who are not eligible through NHS programmes. It is recommended for both males and females to reduce the risk of HPV-related disease. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before booking if you or your child has any of the following: A bleeding disorder (a disease that makes you bleed more than normal), for example haemophilia; A weakened immune system, for example due to a genetic defect, HIV infection or medicines that affect the immune system; Suffer from an illness with high fever. However, a mild fever or upper respiratory infection (for example having a cold) itself is not a reason to delay vaccination.

How effective is the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is highly effective at protecting against the most common high-risk HPV types linked to cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. It also protects against types that cause the majority of genital warts.

How many doses are required?

The number of doses depends on age. Most people under 25 require 2 doses, while those starting the course later may require 3 doses. Your clinician will confirm the correct schedule during your appointment.

Are there any side effects of the vaccine?

Mild side effects may include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, along with headache, tiredness, or mild fever. Fainting can occasionally occur after vaccination, so you may be asked to remain seated for a short time afterwards.

What does the HPV vaccine protect against?

The HPV vaccine protects against several types of HPV, including those most strongly linked to cervical cancer, anal cancer, and other HPV-related cancers. It also protects against HPV types that cause genital warts.

Can adults still have the HPV vaccine?

Yes. Adults can still benefit from HPV vaccination, particularly if they have not previously received it. The vaccine is most effective before exposure to HPV, but it may still provide protection against types you have not encountered.

Is the vaccine available on the NHS?

All girls can get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine free from the NHS from the age of 12 up to their 18th birthday. In England, girls aged 12 to 13 years are routinely offered the first HPV vaccination when they're in school year 8. The second dose is normally offered 6 to 12 months after the first (in school year 8 or year 9).

Vaccinating girls indirectly helps protect boys against these types of cancer and genital warts because vaccinated girls will not pass HPV on to them. This is known as herd protection. The number of genital wart infections in the UK has already fallen in both girls and boys because of the girls' vaccination programme.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) do not benefit in the same way from the girls' programme, so may be left unprotected from HPV. From April 2018, MSM up to and including the age of 45 became eligible for free HPV vaccination on the NHS when they visit sexual health clinics and HIV clinics in England.

From the 2019-20 school year, it's expected that 12- to 13-year-old boys will also become eligible for the HPV vaccine. The first dose of the HPV vaccine will be offered routinely to boys aged 12 and 13 in year 8, in the same way that it's currently offered to girls.