HPV Immunisation

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine

Since 2008, the HPV vaccine has reduced cervical cancer rates by almost 90% in women in their 20s. It also protects males who can get cancers of the head and neck, and cancers of the anal and genital area too. The vaccine is expected to save hundreds of lives every year in the UK.

HPV (human papillomavirus) a very common virus. More than 70% of people who haven’t had the HPV vaccine will contract the virus at some point in their life. HPV can lead to a range of cancers and some people may also develop genital warts. Getting the vaccine now protects you against future risks.

HPV is usually spread through intimate sexual contact and condoms don't provide complete protection from HPV.

The HPV vaccine is offered to:

• boys and girls aged 12 to 13 (school year 8) in school during the summer term, and
• those who may have missed their vaccination but are still eligible up to the age of 25 (That is, boys who were in school year 8 on or after 1 September 2019 and girls who became eligible for the vaccine on or after 1 September 2008.) 

What do I need to do to get my child this vaccine?

If your child attends secondary school, they will be given a paper consent form to take home for a parent/guardian to sign and returned to school as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can download the HPV Consent Form and print off at home

Home Educated Young People

Children and young people who are home-schooled or not currently attending school can have the HPV vaccine at a School Nursing Catch Up Clinic. To make an appointment please call 01633 431685.

The vaccine is also available through specialist sexual-health services and HIV clinics to men who are 45 or younger and who are gay or bisexual, or other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). 

The HPV vaccine is highly effective at protecting against cancers caused by HPV, including cervical cancer. For more information about HPV including FAQs visit: HPV vaccine - Public Health Wales (nhs.wales)