HPV Vaccination
Let’s spill the tea on HPV
What is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the UK, more than 70% of unvaccinated people will get it.
It can affect everyone and is spread by skin-to-skin contact, especially in and around the genital area.
There are often no symptoms and it can resolve naturally. However, it can remain in the body and develop into health problems in the future.
There are over 100 different types of the virus. The most common types of HPV are responsible for most cancers of the cervix in women and people with a cervix, as well as cancer of the anus, genitals and head and neck and genital warts.
Before the vaccination programme took effect in the UK, there were 3,200 new cervical cancers ever year, which is nearly 9 new cases every day.
Why should I get vaccinated?
Since the introduction of the vaccination programme in the UK (fifteen years ago) there has been a large decline in HPV infections and cases of genital warts in young people.
It is recommended that young people are vaccinated at 12 – 13 years old so they have maximum protection before becoming sexually active or coming into contact with HPV, reducing rates of HPV infection and transmission.
There is still benefit to having the vaccine after becoming sexually active so if an eligible patient missed getting vaccinated when they were 12 or 13, the HPV vaccine is available for free on the NHS for all girls under 25, and boys born after 1 September 2006.
There has been a 90% reduction in cervical cancer rates for women in their 20s who received the vaccination when they were 12/13 years old.
The rate of genital warts diagnosed has reduced by 85% in girls, and 80% in heterosexual boys in a 4-year period.
HPV types 16 and 18 are now not being detected in 16-18-year-olds indicating the programme is very effective for direct and indirect protection.
Cervical Cancer Elimination
Nearly all cases of cervical cancer can be prevented.
The HPV vaccine prevents invasive strains of the virus, known to cause almost all cervical cancers, as well as some mouth and throat cancers. It is given to both males and females to protect them against catching the HPV infection which can lead to the development of pre-cancerous changes and cancer cells.
To eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, we want to ensure as many people as possible are being vaccinated against HPV, and then also coming forward for cervical screening once eligible.
NHS screening helps prevent cervical cancer by using a highly effective test to check for high-risk HPV which may cause abnormal cells to develop in the cervix. These abnormal cells can, over time, turn into cancer if left untreated.
The Elimination Generation
Be a part of the generation that can eliminate cervical cancer.
Screen. Vaccinate. Eliminate. #EliminationGeneration
If you are aged 12-13 you will be offered the HPV vaccine as part of the School Immunisation Programme.
If you are aged 16 – 19 years old and have not yet had your HPV vaccination, this can be provided by the School Aged Immunisation Service – details below.
If you are 16-25 years old and didn’t receive the vaccine in school you are eligible for the catch up programme.
You remain eligible to receive the vaccine up until your 25th birthday.
Not sure if you’ve had the vaccination? Ask your GP Surgery to check your records or check with your parents.
Where can I get the vaccine?
| Location | Contact | How to Book |
| Department of Sexual Health, Salisbury District Hospital | Email: shc-tr.sexualhealth@nhs.net Address: Salisbury District Hospital, Odstock Rd, Salisbury SP2 8BJ How to find us: Come into Entrance B, the department is opposite to the leisure centre, go through the Green Entrance by the bus stop, turn left and the department is on the left. Sexual Health | Email the team if you think you are eligible and you can get booked in for an appointment |
| The Riverside Clinic, Bath | Sexual Health Appointment Line: 01225 826855 Monday – Thursday 8:30am-1pm Friday 8:30am-12 noon The Riverside Clinic | Please call and book your appointment |
| Great Western Hospital Sexual Health Clinic | Appointment Line: 01793 604038 Sexual Health | Great Western Hospital | Please call and book your appointment |
| For 16 – 19 yr olds only: | ||
| All Sixth Form Colleges, and Colleges The School Aged Immunisation Service will be visiting your college before the end of March and vaccinate you when they attend. Your college will be able to let you know when they will be there. | 0300 247 0082 Vcl.immunisaitons@nhs.net | Please call to book an appointment You can complete a self-consent form Find your school code The team can advise when they will be attending your college, or a local community venue that can be attended If you do not complete a consent form – don’t worry, just attend the session and speak to one of the team |
| Community Venues across B&NES, Swindon and Wiltshire: 18 March – 14:30 – 17:30 Pinetrees Community Centre 19 March – 14:00 – 17:00 Hathaway Medical Centre 19 March – 14:00 – 17:00 St. Martin’s Hospital 20 March – 14:00 – 16:30 Millsteam Medical Centre 21 March – 13:30 – 17:30 Derby Court Clinic, White Horse Business Park 31 March – 13:30 – 17:00 Keynsham Health Centre | 0300 247 0082 Vcl.immunisaitons@nhs.net Pinetrees Community Centre The Circle, Swindon, SN2 1RF Hathaway Medical Centre Middlefield Road, Chippenham, SN14 6GT St. Martin’s Hospital Midford Road, Bath, BA2 5RP Millsteam Medical Centre Avon Approach, Salisbury, SP1 3SL Derby Court Clinic White Horse Business Park, Derby Court, Epsom Square, Trowbridge, BA14 0XG Keynsham Health Centre St. Clements Road, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 1AF | Please call to book an appointment Alternatively, just drop in. You can complete a consent in advance – if you are not attending a college, just use the code: WT999996 and complete the consent form at HPV Vaccination Consent Form |
How does the vaccine work?
Over 500 million doses of the vaccination have been given world-wide.
It has been proved to be a very safe vaccination.
The vaccine that is now given to give protection against HPV is called Gardasil 9. There are some side effects but they are usually mild, such as a sore arm, headache or nausea. These usually only last for a short period of time.
One dose of the vaccination has been shown to prevent 99% of pre-cancerous lesions, preventing cervical cancer developing.
The vaccination is 99% effective at preventing genital warts.
Having the vaccination does not have any impact on when an individual may become sexually intimate.
Women and people with a cervix still need to attend for their cervical smear tests when they are contacted at the age of 25 and over.