HPV
Human Papilloma Virus

What is HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)?

HPV is a common virus with over 100 types, most of which are harmless. 
In most cases, your immune system will be able to get rid of it. However, sometimes a HPV infection can persist and it can lead to certain types of cancer, as well as genital warts. 

Four out of five sexually active men and women will be infected with the virus at some point in their lives, so it makes sense to vaccinate against it.

How can I help protect myself against HPV?

Being vaccinated against HPV offers the best protection against the virus. Ideally, this should be before becoming sexually active, as you won’t yet have come into contact with the virus. If you are sexually active, you will still benefit from the service, as the HPV vaccination will help protect against HPV infections in the future. However, it will have no effect on active infections and established or previous disease. It will also not prevent the possible development of disease if you are already infected with HPV.

In 2008 the HPV vaccination was introduced to the NHS Childhood Vaccination Programme and routinely offered to secondary school girls aged 12-13 (11-12 in Scotland). This programme has been extended to include secondary school boys aged 12-13 (11-12 in Scotland), from September 2019.

This vaccination offers protection against 4 HPV types, including the high risk types 16 and 18.

Some people may wish to consider vaccination against HPV, either for themselves or their children, but that they're outside the age range of the NHS programme.

About our HPV service

The HPV Vaccination Service is suitable for men and women aged 12 to 44 inclusive, subject to eligibility criteria.

Our new service offers protection against nine HPV types (types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58), and so helps protect against the virus types responsible for:

• 90% of cervical, 85-90% of vulvar and 80-85% of vaginal HPV related cancers in women
• 90% of HPV related anal cancers in men and women
• 90% of genital warts in men and women

Patients aged 12 to 14 require a course of two vaccinations. One on the first visit and the second between five and 13 months afterwards.

Patients aged 15 to 44 require a course of three vaccinations. One on the first visit, the second after two months and the third six months after the first appointment.

Who is the HPV Vaccination Service suitable for?

The service may be suitable for women and men if you:
  • Are aged 12-44
  • Aren’t pregnant
  • Haven’t had an allergic reaction to any previous vaccination
  • Feel well and don’t have a high temperature on the day of your appointment
Cost per injection is £160 
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