Human papillomavirus (HPV) is very common and it is caught through intimate sexual contact with another person who already has it. Because it is a very common infection, most people will get it during their lifetime.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) FAQs
There are many different types of HPV. Most HPV infections do not cause any symptoms and get better on their own. Some do not clear up and can lead to cancer, whilst others cause genital warts.
HPV increases the risk of developing some cancers in later life including cervical cancer (cancer of the entrance to the womb), some mouth and throat cancers and some cancers of the anus and genital area.
HPV causes more than 99% of all cervical cancer, the most common cancer among women aged under 35 years. Most vaginal, vulval, penile and anal cancers are also caused by HPV.
The HPV vaccine protects against 2 high risk HPV types that cause cancer, including most cases (over 70%) of cervical cancer. Having this vaccine will also protect you against the 2 types of HPV that cause the majority of cases of genital warts. It won’t protect you against any other sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and it won’t stop you getting pregnant.
There is evidence from England, Scotland, Australia and Denmark that the HPV vaccine is already having a major impact on HPV infections.
HPV vaccine has been used in young women in the UK since 2008 and most women aged 15 to 24 years have now been given the vaccine. From September 2019, the vaccine has been offered to young people aged 12 and 13 years.
Over 80 million people have received the vaccine worldwide.
In time, it is expected that the vaccine will save hundreds of lives every year in the UK. A recent Scottish study has already shown a 71% reduction in pre-cancerous cervical disease in young women.
Ten years since the start of the vaccination programme in the UK, there has been a big decline in HPV infections and in the number of young people with genital warts.
HPV infection is very common. More than 70% of unvaccinated people will get it. Having the vaccination will reduce your chance of getting cancers caused by the HPV virus.
The HPV vaccine is offered to all young people starting in school year 8 (aged 12 to 13 years) and those offered the vaccine at school will remain eligible up to their 25th birthday.
It is important that you have 2 doses of the HPV vaccine to be protected. The nurse will give you the vaccination in your upper arm. When you are in year 8 you will be offered the first injection. You will be offered the second injection 6 to 12 months after the first, but it can be given up to 24 months after. Your school or GP will inform you when you are due the second dose.
You will probably want to share information about the vaccine with your parents and discuss it together. If you are being offered the vaccination at school, you may be given a consent form that your parent or guardian should sign giving permission for you to have the vaccination.
The doctor or nurse will discuss the HPV vaccine with you at your appointment and will be able to answer any questions you may have.
Like most injections, the side effects of the HPV vaccination are quite mild. Stinging and soreness in the arm are common but wear off in a couple of days. More serious side effects are extremely rare.
The vaccine meets the rigorous safety standards required for it to be used in the UK and has an excellent safety profile. Millions of doses of vaccine have already been given to young women in the UK and around the world. As with all vaccines, any reports of side effects are closely monitored and reviewed.
Women who have had the vaccine will still need to go for cervical screening.
All women aged 25 years and over in England are offered cervical screening tests. The vaccines will prevent up to 90% of cervical cancer cases, but women should still attend for cervical screening when invited to do so.
There are currently no screening programmes for other HPV-related cancers. If you are worried about any symptoms, speak to your GP practice.
If you missed either of your vaccinations, for whatever reason, you should speak to your school nurse or GP surgery about making another appointment. It’s best to make your appointment as soon as possible after your original one. The most important thing is to have both doses at the right time to get the best protection.
Young people offered the vaccine are only eligible to start the course of HPV vaccine up to their 25th birthday.
It is best to have your vaccinations at the right time so you are protected. If you miss any of your teenage jabs and you have left school, contact your GP practice and get up to date.
You still need to go for smear tests after you’ve had the injections.
All women are offered cervical screening (smear tests) when they are old enough (aged 25 years and over in England). The vaccine protects against the 2 HPV types that cause 70% of the cases of cervical cancer, so screening is still needed to try to pick up cervical abnormalities caused by other HPV types that could lead to cancer.
If you’ve already had sex, and are in the relevant age group, it is important you should still have the vaccine.
If you have not had any HPV vaccine by the time you are aged 15 years, you will need need 2 doses of HPV vaccine at least 6 months apart to have full protection.
You should speak to your nurse or doctor about making an appointment as soon as possible.
Gardasil 9 is the vaccine for children and adolescents from 9 years of age and adults. It is given to protect against diseases caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
A complete list of ingredients for the Gardasil 9 vaccine is available in the Patient Information Leaflets (PIL)s.