The HPV vaccine - your questions answered

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that affects our skin. It’s estimated that around 80% of us will have HPV at some point in our lifetime.

For most people the virus goes without issue, but for some, it can cause cancer.

Getting the HPV jab can reduce this risk and protect you from various different cancers.

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Can I have the HPV vaccine if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

There’s no evidence the vaccine is harmful if you’re pregnant, but sometimes you may be advised to wait until you’re no longer pregnant before having the vaccine.

You can have the HPV vaccine while breastfeeding.

I didn’t have the HPV vaccine at school, can I get it as an adult?

You might be eligible for the HPV vaccine as an adult.

The vaccine is available for free on the NHS for:

all girls from aged 12-13 years and up to their 25th birthday

boys born after 1 September 2006 up until their 25th birthday

Speak to your GP surgery for a free HPV vaccination if this is you.

Some individuals in the LGTQIA+ community may be eligible for a free vaccine up until their 46th birthday, this includes:

Men who have sex with men

Any transgender people who are at the same risk as men who have sex with men

Speak to your local sexual health clinic or HIV clinic for a free vaccination if you meet this criteria. Find a clinic near you.

The HPV vaccine is sometimes recommended for other people who are at higher risk of HPV. This includes:

Sex workers

People with HIV

You can speak to your sexual health or HIV clinic for more information.

If you have previously completed a course of HPV vaccination as part of the children’s HPV vaccine programme, no further doses are required.

How is HPV spread?

You can get HPV from:

any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area

vaginal, anal or oral sex

sharing sex toys

For most people, the body clears the virus. However, there are some cases when this does not happen, leading to increased risk of certain cancers.

Getting the HPV jab can reduce your risk and protect you from these cancers.

What is the HPV vaccine for?

The HPV vaccine helps reduce your chances of getting human papillomavirus (HPV), and various cancers. It is given as an injection into your arm and can be up to three doses, depending on your age and immune system.