A person is holding a teal coloured ribbon in their hands.

The HPV vaccine is offered to all children aged 12-13, helping to protect them from contracting the virus.

The HPV vaccine helps protect against human papillomavirus (HPV). It’s recommended for children aged 12-13 (School year 8) and people at higher risk from HPV.

What the HPV vaccine is for

HPV is a common virus that’s spread through skin contact (usually when having sex).

It has no symptoms so you may not know you have it.

Although most types of this virus are harmless, they are linked to an increased risk of:

HPV can also cause genital warts.

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 49 usually have 2 doses (Given via sexual health for men who have sex with men. Given between 6 months and 2 years apart)
  • people with a weakened immune system have 3 doses (given over a 12-month period)

When should you have the HPV vaccine?

All children aged 12 to 13(school year 8) are offered the vaccine.

If you missed getting vaccinated when you were 12 or 13, it is available for free on the NHS for:

  • all girls under 25
  • boys born after 1 September 2006

If you or your child were eligible for the HPV vaccine but did not get it, you should contact your school nurse, school vaccination team or GP surgery.

The vaccine is also offered to men under 45 who have sex with men, other people at higher risk from HPV and some transgender people.

Myth busting

  • The vaccine is just for girls.

Wrong – it protects against the HPV virus which increases the risk of developing cervical cancer, some mouth and throat cancers, and some cancers of the anus and genital area. That’s why it’s important both boys and girls get the vaccine

  • My son or daughter doesn’t need the vaccine as they are not sexually active. Wrong. The vaccine is most effective if it is given before exposure to HPV.

You can read more about this and the side effects on the NHS website.

 

More information on the Cancer Research website


Share this post