.png){kind=small}
HPV
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very common virus that causes nearly all cervical cancers, as well as some cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus and throat. It spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact during sex, and the virus can remain dormant in your body for years which means that, even in a long-term monogamous relationship, you may still be at risk.
The NHS offers the HPV vaccine free to school children aged 12-13, those under 25 who missed the vaccine at school, men who have sex with men up to age 45, and some other people at higher risk of HPV. For people outside these groups, the vaccine is only available privately.
The HPV vaccination is a safe, effective way to significantly reduce your long-term cancer risk.
The Vaccine
Who can have this vaccine?
Adults and children over 9 years
Doses required
1-3 doses
- For those aged 9 to under 25 years: 1 dose.
- For those over 25 years: 2 doses should be given; the second dose is to be given 6-24 months after the first.
- For individuals who are immunosuppressed and those known to be living with HIV: three doses should be administered at 0, 1 and 4-6 months.
This dosage schedule aligns to the latest government guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hpv-universal-vaccination-guidance-for-health-professionals/hpv-vaccination-guidance-for-healthcare-practitioners#vaccine-dosage-and-schedule
Price
Price per dose
£185
Total for all doses
£185 - £555
How is it given?
This is an injection in the upper arm.
Other information
Side effects can include pain and redness at the site of the injection, headache, fever, tiredness, dizziness, nausea. Please refer to the patient leaflet for a full list of potential side effects, including those that are uncommon or rare.
Patient Leaflet
Please refer to the patient leaflet for full information on this vaccine: