Human papillomavirus

About human papillomavirus vaccine

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name given to a group of viruses that can affect the skin and the moist membranes that line different parts of your body such as your mouth, throat and genital area. There are many types of HPV. Most types of the virus do not cause any symptoms and will be cleared completely from your body by your immune system. Some types of HPV, however, are known to increase the risk of developing particular cancers. In particular, types HPV16 and HPV18 are known to be involved in the development of most cases of cervical cancer (cancer of the neck of the womb). Two other types of HPV (types HPV6 and HPV11) are the cause of most cases of genital warts, a common sexually transmitted infection.

The HPV vaccine currently available in the UK is called Gardasil 9®. Gardasil 9® protects against 9 different strains of HPV, including HPV16 and HPV18, which means that it offers protection against certain cervical, vaginal and anal cancers as well as genital warts.

It is currently recommended in the UK that HPV vaccine is given to girls and boys aged 12-13 years as part of the routine immunisation schedule. Immunisation takes place in schools using the Gardasil 9® vaccine. Young people who were not immunised at school are still eligible for vaccination up to the age of 25.

HPV vaccine can also be given to men who have sex with men (MSM) if they go to a sexual health clinic. MSM are eligible for vaccination up to the age of 45 years.

Before having human papillomavirus vaccine

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before having HPV vaccine it is important that your nurse or doctor knows:

• If you feel unwell or have a high temperature.

• If you could be pregnant.

• If you have been told you have a weakened immune system. This may be a result of an illness or taking medicines.

• If you have a condition that makes you bleed more than is normal, such as haemophilia.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine. You should not have the vaccine if you have had an allergic reaction to a previous HPV vaccine.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines. Taking the contraceptive pill does not interfere with the vaccine.

How human papillomavirus vaccine is given

• Before you have the vaccine, ask to read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about the vaccine and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from it.

• From 1st September 2023 the UK vaccination programme consists of a single dose of Gardasil 9®. The vaccine is given by injection into your upper arm or thigh.

• For childhood immunisation the dose is given to children aged 12-13 years. In practice, this often means that the vaccine is given during school year 8 (or S1 in Scotland or 9 in Northern Ireland).

• Children who received a first dose of Gardasil 9® in 2022-23 are now considered to be fully vaccinated and will not require their scheduled second dose.

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• If you have a high temperature (fever) or you are acutely unwell at the time of a scheduled immunisation, your doctor or nurse may recommend delaying the vaccine. A minor illness (such as a common cold) will not interfere with the vaccine. If a delay is advised, you will be given an alternative appointment for the vaccination to be given.

• The HPV vaccine will not prevent every case of cervical cancer. Women should still attend for regular cervical screening tests, even if they have received the HPV vaccine.

Can human papillomavirus vaccine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, vaccines like most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects, although not everyone experiences them. HPV vaccine often causes no problems, but the table below contains some of the side-effects which may occur. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the vaccine, speak with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

How to store human papillomavirus vaccine

• It is unlikely that you will be asked to store the vaccine before it is given to you. If, however, this does happen, keep it refrigerated until it is needed.

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