HPV, Human papillomavirus vaccine

In year 8 of school, children are eligible for the HPV vaccine. 

HPV and how it spreads

HPV infection is very common. It is estimated that around 8 out of 10 people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives (CRUK). It causes around 9000 cancers a year in the UK. Cervical cancer rates have been reduced by almost 90% in women in their 20s who were offered HPV vaccination between 12 and 13 years of age in England, compared with an unvaccinated population2

An infection caused by a high-risk type of HPV can lay dormant for 20 years or more before causing damage to cells which can lead to certain HPV-related cancers1

HPV can be spread by close skin to skin contact, and is found on the fingers, hands, mouth and genital area, so using condoms does not provide complete protection from HPV. Most people don’t know they have HPV so they may end up spreading it to others without realising it.

There are many different types of HPV. The vaccine protects you against some of the most common types that are most likely to cause cancers.

Most HPV infections do not cause any symptoms and get better on their own. Some do not clear up and can lead to cancer, whilst others cause genital warts.

Protecting against HPV infection to help reduce your risk of cancer

The HPV vaccine has been offered to all girls in school year 8 since September 2008. From September 2019, the vaccine has also been offered to year 8 boys, because the evidence is clear that the HPV vaccine helps protect both boys and girls from HPV related cancers.

The vaccine helps to protect you from being infected by HPV. This virus increases the risk of developing some cancers later in life, such as:

• cervical cancer
• some mouth and throat cancers
• some cancers of the anus and genital areas

The HPV vaccine does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Having the HPV vaccine

To give your child the best protection, the vaccine should be given before they become sexually active. The HPV vaccination programme is offered in school year 8 because children are unlikely to have been exposed to types of human papillomaviruses yet. If they are already sexually active, they should still have the vaccine.

Potential side effects

As with most other vaccinations, the side effects of the HPV vaccination are quite mild. Soreness, swelling and redness in the arm are common. More serious side effects are extremely rare.

The vaccine has passed the strict safety standards for use in the UK and has been shown to be a very safe vaccine. Millions of doses of the vaccine have already been given to children in the UK and around the world. As with all vaccines, any reports of side effects are closely monitored and reviewed.

If your child feels unwell after receiving the vaccine, they can be given over the counter pain relief. 

If you are worried about any unusual side effects, speak to your local immunisation team, GP or call the free NHS helpline 111.

HPV vaccine and cancer screenings

HPV vaccination helps prevent cervical cancer caused by certain human papillomaviruses. HPV vaccinations may not protect everyone who receives them. That’s why it’s important that all people with a cervix go to all of their NHS cervical screening appointments when they’re old enough.