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Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine - About the HPV vaccine

Having the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is important to prevent a range of cancers and genital warts. Getting the vaccine now protects you against future risks. 

Having the vaccine is important because we can’t predict who will develop cancer or genital warts.

You can find more information on the vaccine and diseases at the NHS 111 Wales website (external site).

The brand name of the vaccine used in the UK is  Gardasil 9. The HPV vaccination is normally given as an injection in the top of the arm.  

One dose offers excellent protection for eligible children, young people and adults under 25. Men who are gay bisexual or other men who have sex with men aged 25 to 45 need two doses of the vaccine for the best protection. People who are immunosuppressed (have a weakened immune system) or who have HIV may need three doses – speak to your GP or practice nurse for advice about this if you are under 25. If you are an eligible man aged 25 to 45 speak to the doctor or nurse at your sexual-health or HIV clinic. 

Changes to the HPV vaccination programme from 1 September 2023

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has issued new guidance on the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme, recommending that one dose of the vaccine now provides excellent protection.

This change (from two doses) will happen in England and Wales from 1 September 2023.

The HPV vaccine is highly effective at protecting against cancers caused by HPV, including cervical cancer.

Why is the HPV vaccine dose being reduced from two doses to one and what is the evidence to support this decision?

Research on the HPV vaccine has been ongoing for many years. The JCVI monitors vaccination programmes and any new evidence from research into vaccinations. Based on the new evidence, JCVI has advised that one dose provides excellent protection in young people and adults aged up to 25.

All evidence the JCVI has considered is published in its statement available at the UK Government website (external site).

A number of long-term international studies have helped the JCVI to make this decision. These studies provide over 10 years’ worth of evidence to support making this change.

The evidence shows that one dose of the HPV vaccine creates antibodies that give lasting protection before people become sexually active. One dose of the HPV vaccine is more than 97% effective at protecting against the two strains of HPV that cause at least 70% of cervical cancer. 

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) has said:

“….a single-dose Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine delivers solid protection against HPV, the virus that causes cervical cancer, that is comparable to 2-dose schedules.  This could be a game-changer for the prevention of the disease…”

More information from WHO SAGE on the HPV vaccination programme is available at the WHO website (external site).

What does this change mean for children getting their HPV vaccine in school?

If a child is in school year 8 in September 2023, they will be offered one dose of HPV vaccine. School nursing teams will roll out the vaccine programme between January and July 2024, as it is at this time of the year when HPV vaccines are given in secondary schools.

If a child is in school year 9 in September 2023 and they have already had one dose of HPV vaccine, they no longer need a second dose.

If a child or young person is in school years 9 to 13 and they have not yet had any doses of the HPV vaccine they only need to have one dose.

(Note: Children, young people and adults who are immunosuppressed (have a weakened immune system) or HIV-positive should have three doses of the HPV vaccine.)

Is the HPV vaccine dose changing for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM)?

No, not for all GBMSM. The dose is only changing for people under the age of 25. GBMSM who are over 25 are currently eligible for two doses of the vaccine until they are 45. The dose for this older group will not change. There currently isn’t enough evidence that GBMSM who receive their first dose of HPV vaccine between the ages of 25 and 45 will get enough protection from one dose, so this group should still have two doses.

Is the HPV vaccine dose changing for people who have a weakened immune system or who are HIV-positive?

People with a weakened immune system or HIV do not respond to vaccination in the same way. There isn’t currently enough evidence to show that vaccinating people who are immunosuppressed or HIV-positive with less than three doses will give them enough protection against HPV. So until more evidence is available, the NHS will continue to offer these people three doses of HPV vaccine.

How will people be told about the change?

Pupils in school will receive information from the NHS school nursing service.

GBMSM aged under 25 will find out through their sexual-health clinic.

Will there have been any ill effects from having had two doses if only one is needed?

No. Several organisations around the world have looked at the safety of the HPV vaccine, based on the three- and two-dose programmes. They have all found that there are no concerns about the safety of additional doses of the HPV vaccine.

What if a child is home-schooled or currently not attending school?

Children and young people who are home-schooled or not currently attending school can have the HPV vaccine at their GP surgery by making an appointment with the practice nurse.

School-aged children and young people who are home-schooled or not currently attending school are also eligible for a nasal spray flu vaccine each autumn. Those aged 13 and over should also have a 3-in-1 vaccine (to boost protection against diphtheria, tetanus and polio) and MenACWY vaccine (to protect against some types of meningitis and septicaemia). Children and young people who are not attending a school can also get these vaccines at their GP surgery.

You can find more information about recommended routine vaccinations for young people on our website.

Will the change to one dose mean young people who miss their appointment have fewer chances to have the vaccine at another date?

Young people who miss their HPV vaccine in school can still have it. They can either make an appointment with their GP practice nurse or they have the chance to have the vaccine in school (when the school nurses are present) until they finish year 11. If a young person leaves school and has not had the HPV vaccine, they can still have it at their GP surgery until their 25th birthday (for boys, this applies only to those born on or after
1 September 2006).

This change to one dose also means that school nurses will be able to give the full course of the HPV vaccine at one appointment, rather than two doses over two separate appointments. It will also be easier for students who miss their appointment to catch up, as they will only need to catch up on one appointment.

Changing to one dose means the NHS can make sure as many eligible people as possible are told about the benefits of the HPV vaccine and are encouraged to get vaccinated. Increasing the number of young people who have one dose of HPV vaccine will help to save more lives.

What difference has the HPV vaccine made so far?

Since it was introduced in 2008, it has reduced cervical cancer rates by almost 90% in women in their 20s. The vaccine is expected to save hundreds of lives every year in the UK.

Can I still get cancer or genital warts caused by HPV when I am vaccinated?

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent genital warts and cancers caused by HPV infection, including cervical cancer. No vaccine is 100% effective, so it is still important to know the signs and symptoms of HPV infection. It is also important to attend cervical screening appointments when you are invited, even if you are vaccinated.

For more information about HPV visit the NHS 111 Wales website (external site) or visit our about human papillomavirus (HPV) page.

I’ve got more questions, who can I ask?

Children and young people, or their parents and carers, can speak to their NHS school nurse about any questions they may have. Schools will have contact details for the NHS school nursing service.

Young people under 25 who have not had any HPV vaccines yet, and children who are home-schooled or do not attend school, can ask their GP practice nurse if they have any questions.

Gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men and are aged under 45 can ask their doctor or nurse at the sexual-health clinic if they have any questions.

Eligibility for the vaccine

The HPV vaccine is offered to:

  • boys and girls aged 12 to 13 (school year 8) in school, and 
  • those who may have missed their vaccination but are still eligible up to the age of 25 (That is, boys who were in school year 8 on or after 1 September 2019 and girls who became eligible for the vaccine on or after 1 September 2008.) 

The vaccine is available through specialist sexual-health services and HIV clinics to men who are 45 or younger and who are gay or bisexual, or other men who have sex with men (GBMSM).  

Side effects

Common side effects are a sore, swollen red area where the vaccination was given. Sometimes a small, painless hard lump may also form at the injection site. These side effects usually disappear after a couple of days. 

Less common side effects include headaches, nausea and fever (high temperature). Other, more serious, reactions are rare. 

For more information on common and rare side effects, go to:   

If you are concerned about symptoms call NHS 111 Wales. Calls to NHS 111 Wales are free from landlines and mobile phones. 

You can report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines through the Yellow Card scheme. You can do this online at the Yellow Card website  or by calling the Yellow Card scheme hotline on 0800 731 6789 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

Information for the public

If you would like to learn more about the HPV vaccine or the diseases it protects against, see the information listed below.  

You can also call NHS 111 Wales or your GP surgery for advice if you have any questions. 

Information for schools

Transcript – What is the HPV vaccine?

Hey, I’m Cerys, a nurse, and I want to show you how we can work together to protect you against HPV. If you’re in year 8, so age 12-13 – this information is for you!

Firstly, what is HPV? It’s a group of viruses that can cause some types of cancer as well as warts and infection in the skin.

Most of the time your body will naturally produce antibodies to fight off infections and viruses, but to protect against HPV, the vaccine gives us a helping hand.

This clever solution [pause] teaches your body how to protect itself against HPV, it really is that simple, and one dose is all you’ll require in your lifetime.

So, I’m sure you’re wondering, does the HPV vaccine hurt? Well… you may feel a little pinch on the side of your upper arm but the feeling shouldn’t last very long. If you are worried at all, the Nurse will understand and can offer some reassurance.

As it’s something new for your body to get used to, sometimes the HPV vaccine can cause a sore head or an achey arm where you had the vaccine, but this usually goes away quickly.

So, what happens next? In year 8, a school nursing or immunisation team will come to your school to offer you this valuable vaccine. You’ll have time to take information home and discuss the vaccine with a parent or guardian. The nurse will only give you the vaccine if they have your and your parent or guardian’s consent.  If you don’t go to school, ask your parent or guardian to make you an appointment with the practice nurse at your local GP surgery.

Why not share what you’ve learned about HPV with your parents or guardians by showing them this video or they can head to the Public Health Wales website.

Transcript – HPV Q&A

HPV is a shortened name for Human Papillomavirus, which is common but can cause some cancers.

It’s spread by skin to skin contact, but not many people have symptoms, so then it’s difficult to know that you have it.

It’s estimated that 8 out of 10 people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives. But having HPV doesn’t mean that you will definitely get cancer.

The vaccine used in the UK for HPV is Gardasil 9 and it contains individual proteins from nine different types of HPV, which protect you against the virus.

The HPV vaccine is given via injection in the upper arm. It’s an excellent protection against the virus and the cancer that it causes.

Cervical cancer is the main cancer linked to HPV, but it can also cause cancer in the vulva, vagina, anus, penis and some types of throat and mouth cancers.

Since it was introduced in 2008, the HPV vaccine has reduced the cervical cancer rate by 90% in women in their twenties.

The vaccine is expected to save hundreds of lives each year in the UK.

The side effects of the HPV vaccine are usually mild. The most common side effects are a headache, and pain in the upper arm at the injection site, and they usually go away very quickly.

As with all other vaccines, the HPV side effects are monitored and reviewed by the MHRA in the UK.

The HPV vaccine has been found to be effective and safe and is an excellent protection against HPV.

  

Page last reviewed: 17th June 2025