Menu

Who Should Get the HPV Vaccination and at What Age?

Who Should Get the HPV Vaccination and at What Age?

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common viral infections worldwide, and it can lead to several types of cancer if left untreated. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), HPV causes around 99% of cervical cancer cases and contributes to thousands of other cancers diagnoses every year in the UK. The good news is that the HPV vaccination offers strong and lasting protection against the most harmful strains of the virus.  Understanding who should get the HPV vaccine and at what age is key to staying protected. Whether you’re a parent, a teenager, or an adult who missed their earlier doses, learning about HPV vaccination can help you make an informed decision about your health and future.

What Is the HPV Vaccine, and How Does It Work?

The HPV vaccine helps your body build protection against specific types of human papillomavirus. It contains proteins that trigger your immune system to produce antibodies without causing infection.

Why Is HPV Vaccination Important?

HPV is one of the most common viral infections, often spreading through close skin or sexual contact. While most infections clear on their own, some can lead to serious conditions like cervical or throat cancer. Vaccination offers long-term defence before exposure to the virus.

How Effective Is the HPV Vaccine?

According to NHS data, the HPV vaccine is highly effective at preventing infections from high-risk HPV strains that cause most cervical cancers. It also helps reduce the overall spread of the virus in the population.

Who Should Receive the HPV Vaccination?

The HPV vaccine is recommended for both males and females at specific ages to ensure the best immune response and long-lasting protection.

HPV Vaccine for Women

Women benefit greatly from HPV vaccination, as it reduces the risk of cervical, vaginal, and vulval cancers. The ideal time to receive the vaccine is before becoming sexually active, when the body can develop the strongest immune response.

HPV Vaccine for Men

Men can also contract and spread HPV. Vaccinating boys and young men helps prevent genital warts and cancers of the penis, anus, and throat, while also protecting their future partners.

At What Age Should You Get the HPV Vaccine?

The best time to get the HPV vaccine is during adolescence, before potential exposure to the virus. However, it can still offer protection later in life. 

Recommended HPV Vaccine Age Range

  • Ages 12–13: The NHS routinely offers the HPV vaccine to all children in Year 8 at school.
  • Ages 14–25: Those who missed their school vaccination can still catch up at their local pharmacy.
  • Ages 26–45: Adults may receive the HPV vaccine privately if unvaccinated, especially if they are at higher risk due to new sexual partners or other factors.

Is There an Age Limit on the HPV Vaccine?

While the NHS programme covers adolescents, private clinics like Nima Pharmacy offer the HPV vaccine for adults up to age 45. The earlier you receive it, the better the protection, as it works best before any HPV exposure.

Are There Any Side Effects of the HPV Vaccine?

Like all vaccines, the HPV vaccine can cause mild side effects, but serious reactions are very rare.

Common Side Effects of the HPV Vaccine

  • Soreness, redness, or swelling where the injection was given
  • Mild headache or tiredness
  • Slight fever or muscle aches 

Rare Side Effects

In rare cases, people may experience dizziness or allergic reactions shortly after vaccination. Our pharmacists will monitor you for a short period after the jab to ensure your safety. If you experience ongoing symptoms after vaccination, seek advice from our pharmacist.

Can You Get the HPV Vaccine Privately?

Yes. If you missed the NHS vaccination or fall outside the eligible age range, you can get the HPV vaccine privately at Nima Pharmacy. Our trained pharmacists provide safe, convenient vaccinations in a confidential setting. The number of doses depends on your age and vaccination history, typically one to three injections over several months.

Protect Yourself with HPV Vaccination Today

Getting the HPV vaccine is one of the most effective ways to protect against certain cancers and viral infections. Whether you are a parent who wants to ensure your child’s protection or an adult considering private vaccination, our pharmacists can help. Book an appointment at Nima Pharmacy today for your HPV vaccination and professional guidance from our pharmacists.

FAQs

At what age should I get the HPV vaccination? 

The HPV vaccination is typically recommended from ages 12 to 13, when it offers the strongest protection. If you did not receive it earlier, you can still have a catch-up vaccination privately up to around age 45. 

Is there an age limit on the HPV vaccine for adults? 

While the routine school programme is aimed at younger teens, adults can still benefit. Although effectiveness reduces the older you are, private HPV vaccine uptake is possible up to about age 45 in certain high-risk situations. 

Who should get the HPV vaccine aside from teenagers? 

Besides adolescents, people who missed the school programme (for example, up to age 25) are eligible. Also, men who have sex with men, trans people with similar risk, and others at higher risk of exposure are eligible for the HPV vaccine in the UK. 

What are common side effects of the HPV vaccine? 

The HPV vaccine may cause mild local reactions (such as soreness or redness at the injection site), minor headaches, or tiredness. Serious side effects are very rare.

Can I sticcine if I’ve already been sexually active or exposed to HPV?

Yes. Even if you may have been exposed to some HPV strains, the vaccine can protect you against other types you haven’t encountered yet. The benefit may be reduced compared to someone completely unexposed, but it is still worthwhile.

Should women specifically make sure to get the HPV vaccine, and why?

Yes. For women (and people with a cervix), the HPV vaccine significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer by protecting against high-risk HPV types. Additionally, vaccination helps prevent other HPV-related conditions, including vulval and vaginal cancers.
MENU