Curly or straight? Skirt or jeans? Cinema or gig?
Sometimes in life you're not sure if you're doing the right thing.
At other times it’s obvious what’s right.
Why should I get the HPV vaccine?
- The vaccine will help protect you against cervical cancer. It saves hundreds of women’s lives each year.
- It’s free. You can get the vaccine now from your GP or local pharmacy. (link to where)
- It has passed rigorous safety standards.
Arm yourself against cervical cancer.
Is it safe? Will there be any side effects?
The side effects are quite mild – usually just stinging and soreness in the arm that soon wears off. The vaccine meets the rigorous safety standards required for it to be used in the UK and other European countries.
Does the vaccine protect against all cervical cancers?
This vaccine protects against the two virus types that cause over 70% of cervical cancer. The vaccine does not protect against all of the other cancer-causing types, so it’s vital that women still go for routine cervical screening tests when they are older.
Does the vaccine protect against other sexually transmitted infections?
No. HPV vaccine does not protect against other infections spread during sex, such as chlamydia. It will not stop you getting pregnant, either, so it’s still very important to use a condom.
Will being infected with HPV cause cancer in someone who hasn’t had the vaccination?
Most women who get infected with HPV do not get cervical cancer. Women usually do not even know they have been infected because they have no symptoms.
Nowadays, most women are regularly tested (screened) to see if they have any signs of infection, seen as changes to the lining of the cervix that could lead to cancer. These regular tests are often called ‘smear tests’.
How long does the vaccine protection last for?
Studies have shown that vaccinated people maintain high levels of protection for at least six years, and it is expected to last many years. Studies are in place to measure the long-term protection. If a booster dose of the vaccine is necessary later we will tell you.
What if I want the vaccination but my parents would rather I didn’t have it?
You should ask your parents to discuss this with your doctor or nurse to get more information about HPV vaccine, which will protect you against cervical cancer. Once you are 16, the decision is legally yours. Even if you are under 16, if you can show that you fully understand what is involved in having the vaccination, you can still decide for yourself. It is recommended that girls talk to their parents when making the decision. It is important that your parents appreciate that having the vaccination now will protect you from the most common cause of cervical cancer for many years to come
How many injections do I need?
You will need three doses of the vaccine over about a six-month period for the best protection against HPV. It is important to complete the course and have all three doses. Three vaccinations are needed over about a 6 month period – the second will be given 1-2 months after your first injection, and the third is given about 6 months after your first injection.
What if I miss my vaccination?
It’s important to rearrange your vaccination for another time soon after the date of your missed one. Three vaccinations are needed over about a 6 month period – the second is 1-2 months after your first injection, and the third is about 6 months after your first injection.
The facts
- Cervical cancer is caused by a virus – the human papillomavirus (HPV for short)
- The virus is spread during sexual activity with someone who is infected with the virus
- The virus infects the entrance to the womb – the cervix
- Mostly the virus is killed by the body’s immune system – but not always
- There’s now a vaccine that can stop the virus causing cervical cancer – the human papillomavirus vaccine or HPV vaccine for short
- It's best to get the vaccine before you have sex, but if you’ve had sex you should have the vaccine to protect yourself for the future
- There are several types of human papillomavirus that cause cervical cancer. The vaccine only prevents two of them so it is essential that women go for cervical screening tests when they are older. These tests pick up anything unusual in the surface of the cervix that might lead to cancer
- For more information, visit the national HPV site or NHS Choices.