What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common family of viruses which cause of a range of serious diseases, including cervical cancer and mouth cancer. There are approximately 100 types of HPV. Around 40 types infect the genital tract and are associated with genital warts and various types of cancer in men and women.
How is HPV spread?
HPV is passed on through any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area, including vaginal, anal or oral sex, although you do not need to have penetrative sex to spread HPV.
What are the symptoms?
In most cases, HPV does not cause any symptoms. However, in some cases, HPV infection can cause cells to become abnormal. The diseases that result from these cell changes often do not show any symptoms until they are quite far advanced. People can carry and pass on the virus without showing any symptoms themselves so may not be aware they have HPV.
How can I get protected?
The HPV vaccine gives protection against the most high-risk strains of HPV, including ones which cause cervical, mouth and genital cancers.
The vaccine is provided free by the NHS to boys and girls aged 12 to 13 years, with a catch-up programme for those who missed the vaccine but are still eligible to receive it. Most people who are eligible for the HPV vaccine can have it. The number of doses you need depends on your age and how well your immune system works. Most individuals will receive one dose.
What about side effects?
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
Am I still eligible for the HPV vaccine?
Yes, if you are a
- Girl aged 24 and under
- Boy aged 24 and under and born after 1 September 2006
- Man aged 45 and under who has sex with men, and an individual at higher risk of HPV
Where can I get the HPV vaccine?
- Your GP offers catch up to eligible individuals aged 24 and under
- Regional School Aged Immunisation Teams offer catch up in schools and community clinics:
- Men aged 45 and under who have sex with men, and individuals at higher risk of HPV can contact their local sexual health clinic
I’ve still got questions about HPV and the HPV vaccine
HPV Inform has been developed to answer commonly asked questions about the HPV vaccine by young people and their parents / carers. The site also has an array of resources to help aid the discussion around HPV and the HPV vaccine
Vaccine Knowledge provides independent, evidence-based information, backed up with high quality, reliable research
The NHS is also a valuable source of information
GP toolkit
Thames Valley Cancer Alliance has produced a toolkit for GPs to promote HPV vaccination, increase uptake, and help reduce HPV-related cancers. It provides a comprehensive suite of resources and guidance for both health care professional and patients.
Two Programmes, One Goal: Preventing Cervical Cancer
If you have a cervix, you will need to attend cervical screening from age 25. The vaccine doesn’t protect against every HPV type, and screening remains vital for early detection.
Cervical cancer is almost always caused by high-risk HPV. Testing positive for HPV does not mean you have cancer, and in most people the virus clears naturally without causing any problems.
Find out more about cervical screening here