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HPV vaccine
A free vaccine, called the HPV vaccine, is now on offer to help protect against cervical cancer. The vaccine will cut your risk of getting cervical cancer when you’re older.
What is cervical cancer?
This cancer affects the cervix, which is the entrance to the womb. It is caused by a virus called Human Papilloma virus or HPV. Cervical cancer can be very serious and around 1,000 women die from it in the UK each year.
HPV and how it spreads…
There are over 100 types of human Papilloma virus (HPV) but only 13 of them are known to cause cancer. The other types cause conditions like genital warts and some strains of HPV are harmless. The virus is very common and you catch it through sexual contact with another person who already has it.
What is the HPV vaccine?
The vaccine protects against the two types of human Papilloma virus (HPV) that cause more than 70 per cent of cases of cervical cancer. It does not protect against all cervical cancers so you’ll still need to have cervical screening tests, or smear tests as they’re also known, when you’re older. In England cervical screening tests are offered to all women aged 25 and over.
What happens with the vaccination?
The HPV vaccine is an injection given in your upper arm. You’ll need to get three injections over six months to get the best protection and it’s important you have all three doses. Your school or doctor will contact you when it is time for your vaccination.
Who gets the vaccine?
The vaccine started this year and is being offered:
- In schools to girls in year eight, aged 12-13
- To girls aged 17-18 who will be invited by their doctor to have the vaccine at their GP’s surgery.
These age groups were chosen as the most effective way to start the national vaccination programme. If you don’t fall in to these categories the vaccine is not available to you currently.
Can I get the vaccine if I’ve had sex?
Yes. If you have been sexually active there is a possibility you may already have been infected with a type of HPV but it is strongly recommended you have the vaccine to protect yourself against the two most serious types of HPV which cause cancer. When you go for the vaccine the doctor or nurse will not ask you if you are sexually active and you will not need to tell them.
You should not have the vaccine if you are pregnant. If you think you might be pregnant speak to your doctor or nurse.
Will the vaccine protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
No. The vaccine won’t protect you against other STIs and it won’t stop you getting pregnant if you have unprotected sex.
Where can I get more info?
Call the HPV helpline on 0845 6023303
Or at NHS HPV website |
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