HPV – Information for Young People

What is HPV?

HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus. There are over 100 different types of this virus, and most people will come into contact with it at some point during their life.
Often people do not know they have had it, and may not have any health problems. Most infections are cleared by your body within 2 years, but for some, where it remains in the body, symptoms may present after many years.

How does the vaccination protect you?

The vaccination used to protect you is Gardasil 9. This protects against 9 strains of the virus that cause most cancers. with just one dose
Both boys and girls are protected, and since the vaccination programme started 15 years ago there are:
– 90% fewer cases of cervical cancer in women in their 20-‘s who received the vaccination when they were 12/13 years old
– 85% fewer cases of genital warts in girls
– 80% fewer cases of genital warts in heterosexual boys
The vaccination is 99% effective at preventing genital warts
The vaccination has been shown to prevent 99% of pre-cancerous lesions, preventing cervical cancer from developing.

More information

How can I be vaccinated?

The vaccination is offered to all young people in year 8 or equivalent.
It is usually delivered in school.
For young people who do not attend school for any reason, or need additional support to have their vaccination, appointments can be made at a community clinic.
All parents will be contacted to provide them with information about the vaccination, and to ask them to complete an electronic consent form.
It is important for you to understand about the vaccination, talk to your parent/carer about it and make sure they complete the consent form.
On the day of vaccination you will be asked to go to the session, usually in the school hall.
You will be given an information leaflet to read and be asked to wait until a nurse is available.
The nurse will check your details and your consent form, and ask you some questions about your health.
You will also be able to ask them any questions you may have about the vaccination and why you are having it.
When you are ready, the vaccination is given by injection into your upper arm.
After the injection, you will be asked to wait in the hall for 10 minutes and if you feel fine you can return to class.
Your parent will receive an email to let them know that you have received your vaccination.

More information

Frequently Asked Questions and Useful Information

What if my parent/carer has not completed the consent form?

If you want to be vaccinated and a consent form has not been completed please let the immunisation team know.

The nurses will telephone your parent/carer to discuss, and they can also complete the form with them.

If they are unable to speak with your parent, they will give you some information to look at and share with your parent/carer so that they can complete the form.

What if I miss the vaccination in school?

If you are not in school on the date the immunisation team come in to vaccinate they will be returning later in the term and will offer the vaccination to you then.

If you would prefer you can make an appointment at a community clinic for your vaccination.

The team will continue to offer the vaccination until the end of year 11, so there will be plenty of other opportunities to be vaccinated.

Do I need to have the HPV vaccination in Year 8?

The vaccination is most effective when given in year 8, before you have come into contact with any HPV virus’.

If you miss it at this time, it is best to arrange to have it as soon as you can.

It is important to ensure you build up your immunity by being vaccinated so that when you come into contact with HPV you are already protected.

Can I have the vaccination after I have left school in Year 11?

You can access the vaccination at your GP until the age of 25.

Men who have sex with men can be vaccinated by local sexual health services until the age of 45.

Does the injection hurt?

The needle is very small, and is the same size that is used for babies.

Most people feel it a little, and it can feel like a ‘pinch’.

The nurse will explain what she is doing. Most people look away and it is completed really quickly.

Some don’t even realise it has been done.

Everyone experiences pain in a different way, and at a different level. Talk you your immunisation nurse if you are worried, and they will support you.

Are there any side effects from the vaccination?

There may be some side effects. These are usually quite mild and the most common is pain at the site of injection.

Your arm can feel sore and heavy. This usually passes in about an hour, but can last about a day – this is normal. You can take some paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve any discomfort if you are able to take these medications.

It is important to keep yourself hydrated, and best if you have some breakfast/lunch before you have your vaccination.