Human papillomavirus (HPV)

The human papilloma virus (HPV) can cause disease in several parts of the body and can be passed on by having intimate sexual contact with someone who already has the virus. There are around 200 types of HPV, many of which are harmless, some of which can cause genital warts, and others that can cause cancer of the anus, mouth and throat and in men, penis and women, cervix, vagina and vulva, The vaccine protects against 9 types of HPV which significantly help to reduce the incidents of these diseases.

Condoms can reduce the risk of infection but can’t prevent the spread completely as HPV can infect parts of the body not covered by a condom and therefore may be transferred during sexual contact.

From 2008, when the HPV vaccine was first introduced it was only offered to girls, but since 2019 both boys and girls have been given the vaccine, which has also helped to reduce the overall numbers of cervical cancer in women through a process known as herd immunity.

The vaccines will prevent up to 90% of cervical cancer cases, but women should still attend for cervical screening when invited, which continues to be offered to all women aged 25 and over in England.

The School Age Immunisation team will contact you through school when your child is in Year 8 to offer your child an HPV vaccine. Please complete and submit the electronic consent form that school forward you so that your child can be included in the vaccination programme.

Contact school age immunisation

Page last reviewed: December 16, 2024
Next review due: December 16, 2025