The HPV vaccine is a simple and highly effective way to protect yourself or your child from certain types of cancer. HPV stands for human papillomavirus, a very common virus that spreads through close skin contact, often during sexual activity. Most people don’t even know they have it, but some strains of HPV can lead to serious health problems like cervical cancer, genital warts, and cancers of the throat, anus, and penis.
How Does the HPV Vaccine Work?
The HPV vaccine trains your immune system to recognise and fight off the harmful strains of the virus before they cause problems. It doesn’t treat HPV infections you already have but can prevent future ones. The vaccine mainly protects against high-risk types like HPV 16 and 18, which cause about 70% of cervical cancer cases in the UK.
Getting vaccinated early means you’re protected before you’re likely to come into contact with the virus.
Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?
In the UK, the HPV vaccine is offered routinely to:
- Boys and girls aged 12 to 13 (in school Year 8)
- People who missed their vaccine at school, up to age 25
- Men who have sex with men (up to 45 years old)
- Trans people at higher risk of HPV
You can also get the HPV vaccine privately if you fall outside the NHS criteria. Many adults choose this option for peace of mind and cancer prevention.
HPV Vaccine Schedule: When and How Many Doses?
The number of doses depends on your age:
- Aged 12 to 14: Usually just one dose is enough. Studies have shown that one dose is highly effective at building strong and lasting protection against the virus, especially when given before any exposure to HPV.
- Aged 15 or older: If you start the HPV vaccine course at 15 years or older, you’ll typically need two doses. These are given at least six months apart to ensure your body has time to develop proper immunity between jabs.
- If your immune system is weakened: If your immune system is compromised due to a medical condition or certain treatments, you may be advised to have three doses.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Like most vaccines, the HPV jab can cause mild side effects. These are usually short-lived and much less serious than the diseases it prevents.
Common HPV vaccine side effects include:
- A sore arm where the injection was given
- Headache
- Feeling tired or slightly unwell
- Mild fever
Very rarely, someone might experience an allergic reaction, but our experts are trained to manage this if it happens. Overall, the vaccine is considered very safe.
Why Is the HPV Vaccine Important for Cancer Prevention?
HPV is responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer. By getting the HPV vaccine, you drastically reduce the risk of developing this and several other cancers later in life. It also helps reduce the spread of the virus in the population, offering wider protection to everyone.
Even if you’re already sexually active, the vaccine can still offer protection against strains you haven’t been exposed to. So it’s still worth getting it if you’re eligible.
Does the HPV Vaccine Replace Regular Screening?
No, the vaccine doesn’t replace the need for routine cervical screening (smear tests) in women. It reduces the risk but doesn’t completely eliminate it. Screening is still important for early detection of any changes in the cervix that might lead to cancer.
Stay One Step Ahead of HPV-Related Cancers
Whether you’re looking for the HPV vaccine privately or simply want to speak to someone about your options, our pharmacists are here to help. Book your appointment today at Nima Pharmacy and get expert support in a friendly and confidential setting. Prevention is better than cure, so make the smart choice now.