What the HPV vaccine is for
The HPV vaccine reduces your chances of getting human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that's spread through skin contact (usually when having sex).
Most types of HPV are harmless. But some types are linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including:
HPV can also cause genital warts.
Who should have the HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine is recommended for children aged 12 to 13 years old and people at higher risk from HPV.
Who cannot have the HPV vaccine
Most people who are eligible for the HPV vaccine can have it.
You only cannot have the vaccine if you've had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine, or an ingredient in the vaccine.
There's no evidence the vaccine is harmful if you're pregnant, but sometimes you may be advised to wait until you're no longer pregnant before having the vaccine.
You can have the HPV vaccine while breastfeeding.
Getting vaccinated if you're unwell
If you have a high temperature or feel too unwell to do your normal activities, wait until you're feeling better before having the vaccine.
HPV vaccine ingredients
There is 1 type of HPV vaccine given in the UK. You can check the ingredients in the patient leaflet:
Gardasil 9 HPV vaccine patient leaflet (Electronic Medicines Compendium website)
How to get the HPV vaccine
There are different ways to get the HPV vaccine.
Who should have it | Where to get it |
---|---|
Children aged 12 to 13 (school year 8) |
Secondary school (or community clinics for those not in school) |
Girls under 25 and boys born after 1 September 2006 who missed having the vaccine at school |
Check with your school nurse, school vaccination team or GP surgery |
Men under 45 who have sex with men, and other people at higher risk of HPV |
Sexual health clinics or HIV clinics |
How the HPV vaccine is given
The HPV vaccine is given as an injection into your arm.
The number of doses you need depends on your age and how well your immune system works:
- people under 25 usually have 1 dose
- people aged 25 to 45 usually have 2 doses (given between 6 months and 2 years apart)
- people with a weakened immune system have 3 doses (given over a 12-month period)
Side effects of the HPV vaccine
The most common side effects of the HPV vaccine are mild and do not last long.
They can include:
- swelling or pain where the injection was given
- a headache
- a high temperature
- dizziness
- feeling sick
- tiredness
More serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction are very rare. The person who vaccinates you will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.
More about vaccine safety
Find out more about why vaccinations are important and the safest way to protect yourself
How well the HPV vaccine works
The HPV vaccine works very well in reducing your risk of getting HPV.
Since the vaccine has been used, there has been a big drop in the number of young people getting conditions linked to HPV, such as cervical cancer and genital warts.
Research suggests that over time the HPV vaccine will help save thousands of lives in the UK.
Important
It's still important to attend cervical screening appointments if you've been vaccinated against HPV, as there's still a small chance you could get cervical cancer.