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Evidence-led cancer prevention guide

HPV Vaccination: Protection Against HPV-Related Cancers

The HPV vaccine helps protect against important types of human papillomavirus that can cause several cancers. England offers it routinely in school and through defined catch-up and higher-risk pathways.

Check current NHS HPV vaccine eligibility (external link, opens in a new tab)Read Our Guide
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Quick guide

HPV Vaccination at a Glance

What it protects against
Important HPV types linked with cervical, anal, penile, vulval, vaginal and some mouth cancers, as well as genital warts.
Routine offer
All children aged 12 to 13 in school year 8 are offered vaccination in England.
Catch-up
Free catch-up is available to defined cohorts under 25. Some people at higher risk can receive it through sexual health or HIV services.
Doses
The number depends on age and immune health. Follow the schedule given by the vaccinating service.
What it cannot do
The vaccine does not treat an HPV infection or cell changes already present.
Cervical screening
If you are eligible, attend cervical screening when invited even if you have been vaccinated.

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2. What Is HPV?

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a common group of viruses spread through close skin-to-skin contact, usually during sexual activity. Most HPV infections cause no problems and are cleared by the immune system.

Some high-risk HPV types can persist and cause cell changes that may develop into cancer over time. HPV is linked with cervical, anal, penile, vulval, vaginal and some mouth and throat cancers.

3. What the HPV Vaccine Does

The vaccine trains the immune system to recognise HPV types included in the vaccine. It works best before exposure, which is why the routine programme is offered in early adolescence.

4. HPV and Cancer Prevention

The UK currently uses Gardasil 9, which protects against nine HPV types. UKHSA guidance says the vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection with the included types and has reduced HPV-related disease in vaccinated groups.

It does not protect against every HPV type or every cancer. Vaccination is one part of prevention alongside cervical screening for eligible people, symptom awareness and appropriate medical assessment.

5. Who Is Offered HPV Vaccination in England?

Current NHS guidance says all children aged 12 to 13, usually in school year 8, are offered the vaccine through school or community services. Arrangements are available for children not attending school.

Eligibility and delivery differ across the UK and can change. This guide describes England; use the current NHS page or ask a vaccinating service for the position that applies to you.

6. Catch-Up and Higher-Risk Routes

Current NHS catch-up guidance offers free vaccination up to the 25th birthday to all eligible girls who missed it and to eligible boys born after 1 September 2006. Contact a school nurse, school vaccination team or GP surgery.

Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men can be vaccinated through sexual health or HIV clinics up to their 46th birthday. Vaccination is also sometimes recommended for other people at higher risk, including some trans people, sex workers and people with HIV. The service will confirm eligibility.

These are time-sensitive programme rules. Check current NHS eligibility (external link, opens in a new tab) rather than relying on an old invitation or age rule.

7. How the Vaccine Is Given

The vaccine is given into the upper arm. Current NHS guidance says eligible people under 25 usually have one dose; people aged 25 to 45 usually have two doses between 6 months and 2 years apart; and people with a weakened immune system have three doses over 12 months.

Individual schedules can differ. Follow the advice from the vaccinating service, including what to do if a dose was delayed.

8. Safety and Side Effects

The HPV vaccine has been used in the UK for many years. Common effects are usually mild and short-lived, such as pain or swelling at the injection site, headache, temperature, dizziness, nausea or tiredness.

A severe allergic reaction is very rare, and vaccinators are trained to respond. Tell the service about a previous serious allergic reaction, a high temperature, pregnancy or any concern. NHS guidance says the vaccine can be given while breastfeeding.

9. Limitations and Cervical Screening

  • The vaccine does not treat an HPV infection, genital warts or existing cell changes.
  • It does not protect against every HPV type or every HPV-related cancer.
  • It does not prevent infections unrelated to HPV.
  • Vaccinated people who are eligible for cervical screening should still attend when invited.

The HPV Test guide explains HPV results, while the NHS Cervical Screening guide explains the programme in England.

10. Common Myths

“The vaccine can give me HPV.”

No. It does not contain live HPV and cannot cause HPV infection.

“Vaccination treats an HPV-positive result.”

No. It prevents new infection; it does not clear an infection or treat cell changes already present.

“Vaccinated people do not need cervical screening.”

Incorrect. Eligible people should still attend because vaccination does not cover every cancer-causing HPV type.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

Who is routinely offered the HPV vaccine?
In England, all children aged 12 to 13 in school year 8 are offered it. Catch-up and higher-risk routes are cohort-specific, so check the current NHS page or ask the relevant school, GP, sexual health or HIV service.
Can I catch up if I missed it at school?
Some people can. Current NHS guidance offers catch-up to eligible girls and eligible boys up to their 25th birthday, with the boys' cohort linked to date of birth. Ask the NHS service named in the current eligibility guidance.
How many doses are needed?
Current NHS guidance says most eligible people under 25 have one dose, people aged 25 to 45 usually have two, and people with a weakened immune system have three. Follow the schedule given by your vaccinating service.
Can the vaccine treat an HPV infection I already have?
No. It does not treat an existing infection or cell changes. It may still protect against vaccine HPV types you have not acquired, if you are eligible.
Is the HPV vaccine safe?
The HPV vaccine is routinely used in the UK. Common side effects are usually mild and short-lived, such as a sore arm, headache or tiredness. Serious allergic reactions are very rare, and vaccinators are trained to respond.
Do I still need cervical screening after vaccination?
Yes, if you are eligible. The vaccine does not protect against every cancer-causing HPV type and does not replace cervical screening.
Does the vaccine contain a live virus?
No. The HPV vaccine cannot cause HPV infection. Ask the vaccinating service or check the official patient leaflet if you have questions about ingredients.

12. Evidence and References

Eligibility and dose schedules were checked against current NHS and UKHSA guidance for England in August 2026.

13. Official NHS Resources

14. How BloomShield Helps

Clear information is one part of equitable access. BloomShield’s connected programmes support understanding, practical access and navigation across screening and care pathways.

ScreenAccess™

identifies and helps address practical, social and service barriers to screening access.

ScreenConnect™

supports navigation, coordination and continuity across screening and care pathways.

Work with BloomShield to improve screening access