HPV Vaccine £165 per dose. |
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Introduction
HPV is the name given to a very common group of viruses. There are many types of HPV, some of which are called "high risk" because they're linked to the development of cancers, such as cervical cancer, anal cancer, genital cancers, and cancers of the head and neck. Nearly all cervical cancers (99.7%) are caused by infection with a high-risk type of HPV. But only some of the anal and genital cancers, and cancers of the head and neck, are caused by HPV infection. The rest of these cancers are caused by other risk factors like smoking and drinking alcohol.
HPV infections do not usually cause any symptoms, and most people will not know they're infected.
There are more than 100 different types of HPV, and around 40 that affect the genital area. HPV is very common and can be caught through any kind of sexual contact with another person who already has it. Most people will get an HPV infection at some point in their lives and their bodies will get rid of it naturally without treatment. But some people infected with a high-risk type of HPV will not be able to clear it.
Over time, this can cause abnormal tissue growth as well as other changes, which can lead to cancer if not treated.
HPV infections do not usually cause any symptoms, and most people will not know they're infected.
There are more than 100 different types of HPV, and around 40 that affect the genital area. HPV is very common and can be caught through any kind of sexual contact with another person who already has it. Most people will get an HPV infection at some point in their lives and their bodies will get rid of it naturally without treatment. But some people infected with a high-risk type of HPV will not be able to clear it.
Over time, this can cause abnormal tissue growth as well as other changes, which can lead to cancer if not treated.
How does the HPV vaccine work?
The HPV vaccination is available under the NHS Childhood Vaccination Programme and routinely offered to secondary school girls aged 12-13. This programme has been extended to include secondary school boys aged 12-13, from September 2019.
However, those who may not be eligible through the NHS may want to obtain the vaccine privately. The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) is suitable for men and women aged 12 to 44 subject to eligibility criteria. The vaccine we provide helps to protect against NINE HPV types (type 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58). These types of HPV also cause some anal and genital cancers, and some cancers of the head and neck. HPV types 6 and 11 cause around 90% of genital warts, so using Gardasil helps protect girls against both cervical cancer and genital warts.
HPV vaccination does not protect against other infections spread during sex, such as chlamydia, and it will not stop girls getting pregnant, so it's still very important to practise safe sex.
It's important to have both doses of the vaccine to be fully protected.
Men who have sex with men (MSM) have not benefited in the same way from the longstanding girls' programme, so may be left unprotected against HPV. From April 2018, MSM up to and including the age of 45 became eligible for free HPV vaccination on the NHS when they visit sexual health clinics and HIV clinics in England.
However, those who may not be eligible through the NHS may want to obtain the vaccine privately. The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) is suitable for men and women aged 12 to 44 subject to eligibility criteria. The vaccine we provide helps to protect against NINE HPV types (type 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58). These types of HPV also cause some anal and genital cancers, and some cancers of the head and neck. HPV types 6 and 11 cause around 90% of genital warts, so using Gardasil helps protect girls against both cervical cancer and genital warts.
HPV vaccination does not protect against other infections spread during sex, such as chlamydia, and it will not stop girls getting pregnant, so it's still very important to practise safe sex.
It's important to have both doses of the vaccine to be fully protected.
Men who have sex with men (MSM) have not benefited in the same way from the longstanding girls' programme, so may be left unprotected against HPV. From April 2018, MSM up to and including the age of 45 became eligible for free HPV vaccination on the NHS when they visit sexual health clinics and HIV clinics in England.
How is HPV vaccine given
The HPV vaccine is generally given as a series of 2 injections into the upper arm. They're spaced at least 6 months apart. It's important to have both vaccine doses to be protected.
People who get their first vaccination dose at the age of 15 or older will need to have 3 injections.
Men who have sex with men (MSM), and trans men and trans women who are eligible for the vaccine, will need 3 vaccination doses (2 if they're under 15).
For those who need 3 doses of the vaccine:
It's important to have all vaccine doses to be properly protected.
People who get their first vaccination dose at the age of 15 or older will need to have 3 injections.
Men who have sex with men (MSM), and trans men and trans women who are eligible for the vaccine, will need 3 vaccination doses (2 if they're under 15).
For those who need 3 doses of the vaccine:
- the second dose should be given at least 2 months after the first
- the third dose should be given ideally after 6 months of the first dose
It's important to have all vaccine doses to be properly protected.
How long does HPV vaccine protect for?
The need for a booster dose has not yet been established. It is recommended that individuals who receive a first dose of HPV vaccine complete the vaccination course (the same vaccine should be used for the whole dose regimen).
ELIGIBILITY:
The service may not be suitable for women and men you if you:
· Are not aged 12-44
· Pregnant
· Have had an allergic reaction to any previous vaccination
· Feel unwell and have a high temperature on the day or prior to the appointment
ELIGIBILITY:
The service may not be suitable for women and men you if you:
· Are not aged 12-44
· Pregnant
· Have had an allergic reaction to any previous vaccination
· Feel unwell and have a high temperature on the day or prior to the appointment
