HPV Vaccine

When to book the HPV vaccine

The NHS gives the HPV vaccine free to children aged 12 to 13, usually in Year 8, to all genders. Book privately with us if you:

• Missed the HPV vaccine at school
• Are an adult who was never offered it
• Want protection before becoming sexually active
• Are a man who has sex with men, where the risk of HPV-related conditions is higher
• Have a weakened immune system and want to discuss your options

The vaccine works best before any exposure to HPV, but it still offers valuable protection if you have already been sexually active.

What is HPV and why does the vaccine matter?

Human papillomavirus is a group of very common viruses affecting the skin and moist membranes. Most people get HPV at some point. Of the 200-plus types, many are harmless and clear on their own, but some high-risk strains cause serious disease. HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact, most often during intimate contact, and usually causes no symptoms, so people transmit it unknowingly.

• Cervical cancer - HPV types 16 and 18 cause around 70% of cases
• Other cancers - anal, vaginal, vulval, penile and certain throat cancers
• Genital warts - types 6 and 11 cause around 90% of cases, and Gardasil 9 covers both
• Community protection - widespread vaccination lowers overall HPV prevalence

How the HPV vaccine works

Gardasil 9 protects against nine types of HPV, stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies so your body is ready to fight the virus on exposure. It is given as an injection into the upper arm.

• Under 15 - one or two doses, with the second 6 to 24 months after the first
• 15 and over - three doses over 12 months

Side effects

• A sore, tender or slightly swollen arm at the injection site
• Headache, usually passing within a day or two
• Mild fever or feeling generally unwell briefly
• Dizziness or feeling faint shortly after the injection
• Nausea or mild stomach discomfort

Serious side effects are extremely rare, and we monitor you briefly after vaccination.

Find HPV vaccination near you

No GP referral needed. Pharmacist-led vaccination, follow-up doses scheduled with reminders, and flexible times including evenings and weekends at selected branches. Use the postcode search above to find your nearest Allied Pharmacy.