Easy-read guide to the HPV vaccination from September 2023
Updated 26 September 2023
Applies to England
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This guide gives you information about how the vaccine for human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, can help to stop people getting cancer.
About HPV
HPV is a common virus lots of people get.
There is a vaccine that young people can get to help stop them getting HPV.
There are different types of HPV infections that can cause different symptoms like warts on your genitals or cancer.
Some types of HPV do not cause any symptoms and it can go away by itself, but sometimes it doesn’t.
A lot of people that have not had the vaccine will get HPV so it is very important to have it.
Having HPV means you are more likely to get some types of cancers like:
- cervical cancer (this is a cancer in the lower part of the womb)
- some mouth and throat cancers
- some cancers in the bum and genital areas
The HPV vaccine helps to stop you getting the virus.
How people get HPV infection
HPV is on the skin in and around the whole genital area, this is where your penis or vagina are.
Using condoms when having sex will not always stop you from getting HPV.
But using condoms does still protect you from other infections so you should still use one when having sex.
Some HPV infections can get better on their own.
But other HPV infections do not clear up and can lead to cancer and others can cause warts on your genitals.
About the HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine has been given to children all over the world to help stop this virus from spreading and causing cancers and genital warts.
The HPV vaccine is offered to everyone once they are in year 8 or are around 13 years old.
The HPV vaccine helps protect both boys and girls from cancers that HPV makes you more likely to get.
But the HPV vaccine does not stop you from getting other infections that you can get when you have sex. So it is still important to have safe sex.
The difference the HPV vaccine has made so far
The HPV vaccine has saved lots of lives in the UK so far by stopping people getting some types of cancer.
It has also meant that fewer young people get genital warts.
You will be given a record card after your first dose of vaccine. Keep it in a safe place.
Having the HPV vaccine
The vaccine is given in your arm. The name of the vaccine is Gardasil 9.
You only need one dose of vaccine for the best protection.
Some people will need to have 3 doses of the vaccine to give them the best protection. Your doctor or practice nurse will tell you if you need to have more doses.
The vaccine should be given before you start having sex with others to give you the best protection.
But even if you are already having sex, you should still have the vaccine to help stop you getting HPV.
Missing your HPV vaccine
If you missed either of your vaccines at school, you should try and have it as soon as possible.
Contact your school nurse, the people at your school who give vaccines (sometimes they are called an immunisation team) or your doctor (GP) practice to get an appointment.
You can have the vaccine up until you are 25 years old.
Being up to date with your routine vaccinations is important.
Cervical screening
All people with a cervix aged 25 years and over in England are offered cervical screening tests. This checks for HPV and types of cancer that are in the lower part of your womb.
The vaccines will stop most people from getting cervical cancer so it is very important.
There is a small chance you can still get cervical cancer so going to your screening check when you are invited is still very important.
Other cancers
If you have HPV it means you may be more likely to get other types of cancers too but there are not any screening tests for these.
If you or your parents or carers are worried about any symptoms, speak to your doctor (GP).
Further information
For more information about HPV and the vaccine, speak to your doctor or a health professional.
Further information about the HPV vaccine and its possible side effects is available from NHS.UK.
Download the easy-read guidance on love, sex and relationships.
The leaflet What is mouth cancer? includes information on the causes and symptoms of mouth cancer and when to see your GP.