HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccination
The HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers and other HPV-related cancers and genital warts. It is given as a single dose for younger people (those under 25, including the routine adolescent programme), while adults aged 25 to 45 are given a two-dose course and those who are immunosuppressed receive three doses.
£160 per dose — 2 dose course
Who it is for
Adolescents through the routine programme and selected adults up to 45, ideally vaccinated before exposure to the virus
Number of doses
A single dose under 25; two doses for adults aged 25 to 45; three doses for those who are immunosuppressed
When to have it
Before exposure to HPV wherever possible, as this gives the greatest benefit
How long protection lasts
Long-term, with no booster currently recommended after the course is complete
How it is given
By injection into the upper arm
Price
£160 per dose
Quick answer
The HPV vaccine protects against the human papillomavirus types that cause most cervical cancers, other HPV-related cancers and genital warts. It is most effective when given before exposure to the virus, which is why it is routinely offered to adolescents as a single dose; adults may need two doses depending on age. The HPV vaccine is available at Crewe Travel Clinic in Crewe, Cheshire.
About HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccination
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common group of viruses spread through close skin-to-skin and sexual contact. Most infections cause no symptoms and clear on their own, but persistent infection with certain high-risk types can lead to cervical cancer as well as some cancers of the anus, genitals, mouth and throat, while other types cause genital warts.
Vaccination before exposure to the virus offers the best protection, which is why the HPV vaccine is offered to young people through the routine immunisation programme. The vaccine has been shown to dramatically reduce rates of HPV infection and pre-cancerous changes.
The HPV vaccine is given as a single dose for younger people (under 25). Adults aged 25 to 45 usually need two doses, and those with a weakened immune system need three doses; the schedule depends on age and individual factors. Your travel health nurse will assess your age, vaccination history and circumstances to advise on the most suitable schedule.
Timing
Schedule depends on age
For people under 25 only a single dose is needed. Adults aged 25 to 45 receive two doses given between 6 months and 2 years apart, and immunosuppressed individuals receive three doses over a 12-month period.
Effectiveness
Very high level of protection
The HPV vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection with the targeted high-risk HPV types and the pre-cancerous changes they can cause.
Duration
Long-term
Studies show protection is long-lasting, and booster doses are not currently recommended after completing the course.
Signs & symptoms
- Genital warts (small fleshy growths or bumps around the genital or anal area)
- Often no symptoms at all, as most HPV infections clear without being noticed
- Abnormal cervical cell changes detected at cervical screening
- Unusual vaginal bleeding, including between periods or after sex, with cervical cancer
- Persistent pelvic pain or discomfort in advanced cervical cancer
- Lumps, sores or persistent symptoms in the anus, mouth or throat with other HPV-related cancers
Who should consider this vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is recommended for adolescents through the routine programme and may be advised for certain older individuals depending on their circumstances. It offers the greatest benefit when given before exposure to the virus. Your travel health nurse will assess your age, history and individual factors to advise on suitability and the right schedule.
High Risk Areas
Traveller Risk Factors
Who should have this vaccine
The HPV vaccine offers the greatest benefit when it is given before a person is exposed to the virus through close skin-to-skin or sexual contact. For this reason it is offered routinely to adolescents in the UK, and it may also be advised for certain older individuals depending on their circumstances. A travel health nurse can assess your age, vaccination history and individual factors to advise whether vaccination is suitable for you.
- Recommended for young people through the routine immunisation programme
- May be advised for adults up to 45 who were not vaccinated earlier
- Most effective when given before exposure to HPV
- Suitability and schedule are assessed on an individual basis
The vaccination course
The number of doses needed depends on age and individual factors. People under 25 require only a single dose. Adults aged 25 to 45 are given a two-dose course, and those who are immunosuppressed receive three doses. The vaccine is given by injection into the upper arm, and your nurse will plan the timing of any further doses with you.
- Single dose for people under 25, including the routine adolescent programme
- Two doses for adults aged 25 to 45, given between 6 months and 2 years apart
- Three doses over about 12 months for those who are immunosuppressed
- Given by injection into the upper arm
How long does protection last
Studies show that protection from the HPV vaccine is long-lasting once the course is complete. Booster doses are not currently recommended. The vaccine protects against the high-risk HPV types responsible for most cervical and other HPV-related cancers, but it does not protect against every type of HPV, so cervical screening remains important for those who are eligible.
- Long-lasting protection after the recommended course
- No booster currently recommended
- Does not cover every HPV type, so cervical screening is still advised
- Works best when given before exposure to the virus
Possible side effects
Most side effects from the HPV vaccine are mild and settle on their own within a few days. The most common are reactions at the injection site. Serious reactions are rare. Your nurse will discuss any relevant considerations before vaccination and advise on what to expect afterwards.
- Redness, swelling or soreness at the injection site
- Headache or mild fever
- Feeling tired or generally unwell
- Fainting can occasionally occur, particularly in younger people