About the HPV Vaccine
When Should You Get the HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine is most effective when given before any exposure to the virus, ideally before becoming sexually active. However, vaccination is still recommended and beneficial for individuals who are already sexually active, as they are unlikely to have been exposed to all strains covered by the vaccine. At London Vaccination Clinic, we offer the HPV vaccine to anyone from the age of 9 upwards. Same-day appointments are available at our four central London clinics.
Vaccine Schedule
At London Vaccination Clinic, we use Gardasil 9, which protects against nine strains of HPV, including the high-risk types most strongly associated with cervical cancer (types 16 and 18), as well as strains linked to other HPV-related cancers and genital warts. The number of doses you need depends on your age and whether your immune system is healthy or weakened, in line with the current UK schedule (2026):
- Healthy individuals aged 9 to 24: a single dose.
- Adults aged 25 to 45: two doses, given at least six months apart (usually at 0 and 6 months).
- People who are immunosuppressed, including those living with HIV: three doses regardless of age, typically given at 0, one to two months, and 6 months.
Our clinical team will confirm the schedule that’s right for you during your consultation.
Booster Requirements
Current evidence indicates that a booster dose is not required after completing the primary course. Studies suggest that the HPV vaccine provides long-lasting protection, though ongoing research continues to monitor duration of immunity. Our specialist nurses will advise on the latest guidance at your appointment.
How the HPV Vaccine Is Given
The HPV vaccine is administered as an injection into the upper arm. Each appointment at London Vaccination Clinic includes a brief clinical consultation to confirm suitability and answer any questions, followed by safe administration of the vaccine. Appointments typically take around 15 minutes in total.
How Long Does the HPV Vaccine Last
Based on current evidence, the HPV vaccine provides long-term protection following completion of the primary course, with no routine booster currently recommended. Research continues to monitor long-term immunity, and vaccination does not replace the need for regular cervical screening for those who are eligible.
Possible Side Effects
HPV vaccine side effects are generally mild and resolve within a few days. They may include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, a mild headache, mild fever, or dizziness. Fainting can occasionally occur shortly after vaccination, which is why we ask patients to remain seated for a short period afterwards. Serious allergic reactions are very rare. Our clinical team will discuss any concerns with you before administering the vaccine.
Who Should Not Have the HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine is not recommended for people who are pregnant, or who have had a previous severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine. If you are currently unwell with a fever, vaccination may be postponed. The vaccine does not treat an existing HPV infection or any related conditions already present. Our specialist nurses will assess your suitability during your consultation.
Risk if You Contract HPV
HPV is extremely widespread and is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, most commonly during sexual activity. Many HPV infections cause no symptoms and clear without treatment, but in some cases the virus persists. High-risk HPV strains are responsible for virtually all cases of cervical cancer, as well as a significant proportion of cancers of the vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and oropharynx. Low-risk strains can cause genital warts, which, while not cancerous, can be distressing and require treatment. There is no treatment for the HPV virus itself, only for the conditions it may cause, making prevention through vaccination the most effective strategy available.
Our London Travel Clinics
We have four central London travel clinics in Liverpool Street, London Bridge, High Street Kensington, and Mayfair, convenient for anyone living or working in the city. We are open early mornings, lunchtimes, evenings, and weekends, providing all essential travel vaccinations and medications.
Frequently Asked Questions About the HPV Vaccine
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a group of more than 100 related viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes. Some strains are low-risk and may cause genital warts, while others are high-risk and are associated with several cancers, including cervical cancer.
HPV stands for human papillomavirus. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide, affecting both men and women.
Most people with an HPV infection have no symptoms at all and the infection clears on its own. When symptoms do occur, they may include genital warts or, in cases of persistent high-risk infection, changes to cells that can develop into cancer over time. Human papillomavirus infection symptoms are often only detected through screening such as a cervical smear test.
HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, most commonly during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be transmitted through genital skin contact without penetrative sex. An infected person may have no symptoms, making it impossible to know when or from whom the infection was acquired.
There are more than 100 types of HPV. Low-risk types, such as types 6 and 11, are associated with genital warts. High-risk, oncogenic types, particularly types 16 and 18, are responsible for the majority of HPV-related cancers. Gardasil 9 protects against nine strains in total, including both low-risk and high-risk types.
Being HPV positive means that HPV has been detected during a screening test, typically a cervical smear. A positive result does not necessarily mean cancer is present. Most HPV infections clear without causing any health problems, but a positive result will usually lead to further monitoring or investigation.
There is no HPV treatment that clears the virus itself. However, the conditions caused by HPV, including genital warts and precancerous cell changes, can be treated if detected early. This is why regular cervical screening remains important even after HPV vaccination.
The HPV vaccine used at London Vaccination Clinic is Gardasil 9, which protects against nine strains of HPV. These include the two high-risk strains responsible for around 70% of cervical cancers (types 16 and 18), strains linked to other HPV-related cancers, and the two low-risk strains most commonly responsible for genital warts (types 6 and 11).
The number of doses depends on your age and whether your immune system is healthy or weakened, in line with the current UK schedule (2026). Healthy individuals aged 9 to 24 need a single dose. Adults aged 25 to 45 need two doses, given at least six months apart (typically at 0 and 6 months). People who are immunosuppressed, including those living with HIV, need three doses regardless of age, typically given at 0, one to two months, and 6 months. Our clinical team will confirm the correct schedule for you at your appointment.
Yes. The HPV vaccine is offered on the NHS to all boys and girls aged 11 to 13 as part of the school immunisation programme, and to some other groups including men who have sex with men up to age 45. Adults and those who missed the school programme can access the HPV vaccine privately at London Vaccination Clinic.
The HPV vaccine currently used in the UK is Gardasil 9, which protects against nine strains of human papillomavirus. This is also the vaccine used at London Vaccination Clinic.
Yes. HPV vaccination is recommended for men as well as women. Men who have sex with men are eligible for the NHS programme up to age 45. All other men can access the vaccine privately. HPV-related cancers, including those of the penis, anus, and oropharynx, affect men as well as women, and vaccination offers protection for everyone.
The HPV vaccine significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer by protecting against the high-risk strains responsible for the majority of cases. It does not provide 100% protection against all strains of HPV, so regular cervical screening remains important for anyone who is eligible.
The HPV vaccine is priced at £189 per dose at London Vaccination Clinic. Please contact our team or visit our price list page for full course pricing and current availability.
You can receive the HPV vaccine at any of our four central London clinics in Liverpool Street, London Bridge, High Street Kensington, and Mayfair. Same-day and next-day appointments are available. Book online or call us on 020 7112 5198.
No. The HPV vaccine reduces the risk of HPV-related cell changes but does not eliminate it entirely. Regular cervical smear tests remain an essential part of cervical cancer prevention for anyone who is eligible, regardless of vaccination status.
