Vaccinations

The HPV vaccine can help reduce your chances of getting certain types of cancer, such as cervical cancer, mouth cancer and penile cancer.

The HPV vaccine is for children aged 12 to 13 years old and people at higher risk from HPV, such as men under 45 who have sex with men.

Most people can have the HPV vaccine. You only need to avoid it if you've had a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine, or an ingredient in it.

You can check the ingredients in the HPV vaccine by asking to see the patient leaflet or searching for it online.

Children aged 12 to 13 usually have the HPV vaccine at school. People at higher risk from HPV can get the vaccine from sexual health or HIV clinics.

Most people under 25 only need 1 dose of the HPV vaccine. Older people and those with weakened immune systems usually need 2 or 3 doses.

Common side effects of the HPV vaccine include swelling or pain where the injection was given. Serious side effects are very rare.

The HPV vaccines works very well in helping prevent HPV. There has been a big drop in cancers linked to HPV since the vaccine has been used in the UK.