The HPV vaccine helps to prevent many types of cancer by protecting against the human papillomavirus – a common group of viruses.
WHO?
The HPV vaccine is first offered to all children at the age of 12 or 13 (year 8) in the UK. It will also be offered to older children if not taken up earlier.
Anyone who has not received their vaccination by the time they leave school can contact their GP to have the vaccine.
WHY?
The HPV vaccine reduces your chances of getting human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that’s spread through skin contact.
Most types of HPV are harmless. But some types are linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including:
The vaccine has been shown to reduce cervical cancer rates by almost 90%
HOW?
The HPV vaccine is given as an injection into the arm.
Anyone eligible for the HPV vaccine and no longer in school, can request the vaccine from their GP.
Children aged 12 or 13 (school year 8) will be offered the vaccine in school by the school-age immunisation team. Parents will receive an email asking them to consent for their child to receive the vaccine.
If you miss your HPV vaccine in year 8, you can speak to your school-age immunisation team to arrange a catch-up appointment before you leave school.
WHEN?
The vaccine is first offered to all children aged 12-13 (Year 8) in the UK. It will also be offered to older children if not taken up earlier.
All schools arrange for the vaccination to take place in the Spring or Summer term (between February and July).
A team of nurses go into schools to deliver the vaccine. Parents are asked to give consent. Many children miss getting their vaccine because the consent form is not returned to the school, so it is important to remember to complete this and return it as soon as possible.
Anyone up to the age of 24 who has not received the vaccination can contact their GP to have the vaccine.
WHERE?
Children aged 12 to 13 (school year 8) and catch-up opportunities until end of year 11, vaccines will be given in Secondary school (or community clinics for those not in school) via the school-age immunisation service.
Girls up to 25 years and boys born after 1 September 2006 up to their 25th birthday who remain unvaccinated on leaving school, vaccines will be given by the GP surgery.
Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM up to 46th birthday) not previously vaccinated, vaccines will be given by a sexual health clinic or HIV clinic.
WHAT NEXT?
To find out more about the HPV vaccine and check if you are eligible, please visit the NHS website
Below are some videos about the HPV vaccine which you may find useful.
If you have any questions about the HPV vaccine, or have a specific query related to your child, please speak to your school aged immunisation provider or GP.
How much do you know about the HPV vaccination? Read the information on this page and take our short survey:
School Age Immunisation Services
The school age immunisation service (SAIS) provide routine childhood vaccinations to children and young people:
- from Reception to Year 11 in mainstream schools
- up to age 18 in some additional needs schools
For more information and contact details in your area, click on the links below.
The HPV Vaccine – A Parent Perspective
HPV and Young People
Safety and Side Effects
Useful Links
If you would like to read more about the HPV vaccine you can visit these websites:
HPV Vaccine for Gay and Bisexual Men
The HPV vaccine is available from specialist sexual health services and HIV clinics for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) who are up to and including 45 years of age.
Follow the link for more information.