Many people think the HPV vaccine is only about preventing cervical cancer, but there’s much more to it. In reality, it helps protect both men and women from several cancers and infections linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), cervical cancer rates have dropped by up to 87% among women vaccinated at ages 12 to 13 in England.
This shows just how powerful HPV vaccination can be in preventing long-term illness and saving lives. Understanding how it works and who can benefit helps you make confident, informed decisions about HPV vaccination.
What Is the HPV Vaccine, and How Does It Work?
The HPV vaccine in the UK protects against high-risk HPV strains that cause most cervical cancer cases and other HPV-related diseases. It works by training your immune system to recognise and fight the virus before it can cause harm.
Which Diseases Does the HPV Vaccine Help Prevent?
Apart from cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine also protects against:
- Genital warts in both men and women
- Anal cancer
- Some types of mouth, throat, and penile cancers
- Vaginal and vulval cancers
- These are all linked to persistent HPV infections, which are spread mainly through close skin contact.
Who Can Get the HPV Vaccine in the UK?
The cervical cancer vaccine is offered free on the NHS to all children aged 12 to 13 and is usually given at school.
However, if you missed your vaccination, it’s not too late. Private HPV immunisation is available for men and women up to age 45 at selected pharmacies, including Touchwood Pharmacy.
What Is the Cervical Cancer Vaccine Age Limit?
- Routine NHS programme: Boys and girls aged 12 to 13
- Catch-up programme: Available up to age 25
- Private vaccination: Available for adults up to age 45
Our pharmacist can advise the right course and schedule depending on your age and vaccination history.
What Are the Benefits of the HPV Vaccine?
The HPV vaccine benefits go beyond personal protection — it helps reduce the overall spread of HPV in the population. Research shows that widespread HPV immunisation has led to a sharp decline in cervical and other HPV-related cancers in the UK.
How Effective Is It?
Studies have found the HPV vaccine to be over 90% effective in preventing infections that cause cervical cancer when given before exposure to the virus. It also significantly lowers the risk of genital warts and other HPV-related diseases later in life.
What Are the HPV Vaccine Side Effects?
Most people experience only mild HPV vaccine side effects, if any. These are usually short-lived and include:
- A sore arm where the injection was given
- Mild headache or tiredness
- Low-grade fever or muscle aches
Serious reactions are very rare. The vaccine’s safety record is excellent, with continuous monitoring by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
What Should I Do After Vaccination?
If you notice any unusual or long-lasting symptoms, speak to our pharmacist for advice. They can help you decide if further care is needed.
Can the HPV Vaccine Prevent All Cervical Cancers?
No vaccine can protect against every strain of HPV. That’s why regular cervical screening (smear tests) remains essential, even after HPV immunisation. The vaccine reduces your risk but doesn’t remove the need for screening.
Together, the vaccine and routine screening provide the best protection against cervical cancer.
Where Can You Get the HPV Vaccine in the UK?
You can access the HPV vaccine privately at registered pharmacies across the UK. Private HPV immunisation offers flexibility for adults who may have missed the vaccine at school or want additional protection later in life.
At Touchwood Pharmacy, our qualified pharmacists provide safe and confidential HPV immunisation for men and women. They can guide you through eligibility, dosage schedules, and the full benefits of protection against HPV-related cancers and infections.
Book your appointment with our pharmacists at Touchwood Pharmacy for private HPV vaccination and personalised advice on cervical cancer prevention.
FAQs
What other cancers does the HPV vaccine help prevent besides cervical cancer?
Yes. The HPV vaccine protects against several cancers caused by high-risk HPV types, including anal, penile, vaginal, vulval, and some mouth and throat cancers. It also helps prevent genital warts in both men and women.
Can men get the HPV vaccine in the UK?
Yes. The HPV vaccine in the UK is available for boys and men. It helps protect against genital warts and HPV-related cancers such as anal and penile cancer. Men up to age 45 can receive the vaccine privately at registered pharmacies like Touchwood Pharmacy.
What is the recommended age for the cervical cancer vaccine?
The cervical cancer vaccine is routinely offered to children aged 12 to 13 in the UK. If you missed your school vaccination, you can get a catch-up dose up to age 25 through the NHS or privately up to age 45 at selected pharmacies, including Touchwood Pharmacy.
Do I still need smear tests after having the HPV vaccine?
Yes. The HPV vaccine doesn’t protect against every HPV strain, so regular cervical screening (smear tests) is still important. Screening helps detect any abnormal cell changes early, even in those who have been vaccinated.
How many doses of the HPV vaccine are needed for full protection?
Most people under 25 need two doses given several months apart. Adults aged 25 and over usually need three doses for complete protection. Our pharmacist will confirm the right schedule based on your age and vaccination history.
Is the HPV vaccine safe, and are there any side effects?
The HPV vaccine has an excellent safety record. Most side effects are mild, such as a sore arm, tiredness, or mild fever. Serious reactions are extremely rare. All vaccines used in the UK are strictly tested and monitored by the MHRA for safety and quality.
