How to get the HPV vaccine

How does someone get the HPV vaccine?

In England, young people are usually offered the HPV vaccine when they are in Year 8 at secondary school. This is when they are 12 or 13 years old.

Parents/carers will get some information about the HPV vaccine by email or letter.

This will also tell them when the vaccine will be given at school.

If someone wants the HPV vaccine, but they cannot have it at school they can contact the immunisation service who can help book an appointment at a community clinic. They can also contact their GP surgery to ask for the HPV vaccine.

 

How does someone give permission to have the vaccine?

Parents/carers will need to fill in a consent form to say if they give permission for their teenager to have the vaccine.

It is important to complete the form, even if the answer is no.

If someone has any problems completing the form, they can contact the school immunisation team who will be happy to help them.

Before someone decides, it is best for both young people and their parents/carers to feel sure about their choice.

If someone has any questions, they can talk to their GP or the school immunisation team.

This video gives parents/carers helpful information about the HPV vaccine.

It talks about:

  • How to get the vaccine

  • How HPV is passed on

  • How to talk to their teenager about the vaccine

What age should someone get the HPV vaccine?

Some people think it might be better to wait until young people are ready to have intimate sexual relationships before they get the HPV vaccine.  This may be several years after the HPV vaccine is offered.

But the HPV vaccine works best when it’s given before any sexual contact happens so they are protected for the future.

The body also has a stronger immune response when the vaccine in given at a younger age, so the vaccine gives better protection.

The HPV vaccine is the same as any other vaccine. It is to protect someone not just in the immediate future, but over the course of their life.

If someone has the vaccine aged 12 or 13 they are protected for when they are older and start thinking about having sexual relationships.

Can young people choose to have the HPV vaccine?

In the UK, people under 16 can say yes to medical treatments, like vaccines. They need to be able to show a nurse or doctor they understand what it is for.

It is always best if young people and their parents or carers make the decision together.

Sometimes that is not possible. Then, the young person can talk to the immunisation nurse at school about getting the HPV vaccine.

What if someone missed getting the HPV vaccine?

If someone missed their HPV vaccine at school, they do not need to worry — it’s not too late.

They can still get the vaccine and it will help protect them from cancers caused by HPV in the future.

What to do next?

  •  Contact the school immunisation team

The school nurses or immunisation service can give information and help book an appointment.

  • Contact the GP (doctor)

The GP surgery can check if someone has had the vaccine and help them make an appointment if they need to.

If someone is under 25, they can usually get the HPV vaccine for free on the NHS.

Next page - Getting vaccinated at school