Questions and Answers

Here you can find answers to commonly asked questions about the HPV vaccine by young people and parents/carers.

About HPV

What is HPV and how can it cause cancer?

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a group of common viruses. HPV lives in the skin and cells lining the inside of our body, like the genital area, mouth, and throat.

There are over 100 types of HPV. They are split into two groups: low-risk and high-risk.

  • Low-risk HPVcan cause genital warts, but does not cause cancer.
  • High-risk HPVcan sometimes lead to serious illnesses, including cancer.

Almost all cases (99%) of cervical cancer are caused by high-risk HPV. High-risk HPV is also linked to other cancers, including:

  • 90% of anal cancers
  • 78% of vaginal cancers
  • 25% of vulvar cancers (outside part of female genitals)
  • 50% of penis cancers
  • 60% of mouth and throat cancers

How does HPV cause cancer?

An infection with a high-risk HPV can change the way cells work. This can make the infected cells divide and grow out of control.

Most of the time, the body’s immune system kills cells infected with HPV. The person does not know they have been infected with HPV.

Sometimes, the infected cells stay in the body and keep growing. Over time, these cells can turn into cancer. This can take many years.

How can somebody get HPV?

HPV infection is very common and nothing to be embarrassed about.

HPV spreads easily by close sexual contact. This includes skin-to-skin touching of the genital areas, as well as sex.

How would someone know they have HPV?

Most people do not know they have been infected by HPV because it does not make them feel unwell.

It is easy for someone to infect another person without knowing about it.

Even people in long-term relationships can be infected by HPV. This is because the virus can stay hidden in the body for a long time.

Some people might get genital warts. This type of HPV does not cause cancer.

Symptoms usually show later with an infection with HPV types that lead to cancer.

Are there any tests available for HPV?

Yes – Women and people with a cervix aged 25 years and older now get tested for HPV when they have a cervical cancer screening test.

It is still important for women and people with a cervix to have cervical screening even if they have had the HPV vaccine.

There are no tests or screening programme available on the NHS for other cancers caused by HPV. This includes tests for cancers that affect men.

That is because there are currently no reliable tests available.

Will condoms stop someone getting HPV?

Not always.

HPV can live on areas of skin that are not covered by a condom.  Condoms can lower the risk, but they do not give full protection.

The best way to get protected from HPV is by having the vaccine.

Are there other ways to protect against HPV instead of vaccines?

Everyone who has ever been sexually active can get HPV — even if they are very careful. Sometimes people can be infected with HPV and not know it.

Even using condoms doesn’t always stop HPV from spreading, because it can pass through skin-to-skin contact too.

Things like healthy eating and exercise can be good for your body, but they cannot stop someone being infected by HPV.

The HPV vaccine is another important part of a healthy lifestyle. It trains the body to fight off an infection.

It does this without putting someone at risk of developing a cancer caused by HPV.

The HPV vaccine also gives better protection than getting the virus itself.

Getting vaccinated against HPV will stop HPV infections and will help stop cancers caused by HPV developing later in life.

How many people get cancer caused by HPV each year?

People of all genders, ages, and backgrounds can get cancers caused by HPV.

Each year in the UK around 11, 210 people are told they have a cancer caused by HPV.

This includes:

  • 4,260 women affected by cervical, vaginal and vulval cancers,
  • 350 men diagnosed with penile cancer
  • 1,350 men and women with anal cancer (more common in women than men),
  • 5,250 men and women with mouth and throat cancers (more common in men)

(MacMillan/Cancer Research)

What symptoms can someone have from a cancer caused by HPV?

The symptoms depend on the type of cancer.

For cervical cancer, symptoms include:

  • Bleeding between periods or after sex
  • Changes in vaginal discharge

For mouth or throat cancers, symptoms can include:

  • A painless lump or swelling in the neck.

If you notice any unusual symptoms, talk to a doctor.

You can find more information on the NHS or Macmillan websites.

What are the treatment options for cancers caused by HPV?

The right treatment depends on:

  • What kind of cancer it is
  • How big it is
  • If the cancer has spread
  • The person’s overall health.

Treatments may include:

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation (radiotherapy)

Doctors work together in a team to decide the best treatment. They will also listen to what the person wants.

Some people may have side effects during or after treatment. These can last for months or even years. In some cases, the side effects are permanent.

Some women may have an early menopause after treatment. People who want children in the future may be offered help to store eggs or sperm before starting treatment.

About the HPV vaccine

How does the HPV vaccine work?

In the 1990s, vaccine scientists in Australia found a way to make a harmless protein. This protein looks like the outside of the real HPV virus. They made this protein in the lab using yeast cells.

These proteins stick together and form something called “virus-like particles”. The proteins look similar to the real HPV. They are not real viruses and cannot cause an infection.

When somebody gets the HPV vaccine, their body sees the “virus-like particles” and learns to make antibodies. Antibodies are the body’s way of fighting off real infections.

After they have had the vaccine, if somebody comes into contact with the real HPV virus their body will know how to fight off the infection. This will stop HPV causing illnesses.

The HPV vaccine gives better protection than if someone caught the virus naturally.

How effective is the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is the best way for someone to protect themselves against an infection with HPV.

It gives 98% protection against the 9 mains types of HPV that can cause genital warts and cancers caused by HPV.

Studies from around the world show that the number of people getting cervical abnormalities and cervical cancer has decreased since the vaccine was introduced.

What is in the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine contains proteins that look like the outside of the HPV virus. These proteins help the body make a strong immune response to protect somebody from the virus.

  •  The vaccine does NOT contain HPV virus or its genetic material. It cannot give someone HPV or cancer.
  •  The vaccine does NOT contain any gelatine, pork (porcine), or egg products.

The vaccine also contains tiny amounts of other ingredients to help it work properly:

  • Aluminium – helps the body make a better immune response
  • Polysorbate 80 – helps hold the ingredients together (emulsifier)
  • Histidine – helps balance the acidity levels in the vaccine
  • Salt (sodium chloride) – ordinary table salt

For more information about ingredients of the HPV vaccine, please see this Patient Information Leaflet.

Why does someone need to have the HPV vaccine?

Most people do not know if they have had HPV or know anyone who has had a cancer caused by HPV. So it’s normal to wonder if HPV is really something to worry about.

The truth is HPV is very common. In many cases, it does not cause any health problems. But in some people it can lead to serious illnesses, including cancer. Nobody can tell in advance who will be affected this way.

Research studies have shown that the HPV vaccine can reduce the number of cancers and deaths caused by HPV. It can also help prevent cell abnormalities found during routine cervical screening.

That’s why the UK government decided to offer the HPV vaccine—after careful advice from scientists and health experts.

Is it possible to delay having 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.

Why do boys need to have the HPV vaccine if they can’t develop cervical cancer?

At first the HPV vaccine was  only offered to young women  to reduce the risk of them developing cervical cancer.

There is now clear scientific evidence showing that men can also be affected by head and neck cancers caused by HPV, as well as penile and anal cancers. 

In fact, about 4 of every 10 cases of cancers caused by HPV occur in boys or men. This is why from 2019 young men have been included in the HPV vaccination programme.

How many injections of the HPV vaccine will someone have?

Scientists now know that just one injection of the HPV vaccine given to young people gives strong protection against cancers caused by HPV.

There is no sign that this protection gets weaker over time.

More research is happening to find out exactly how long the protection lasts. It is expected to be long-term.

Even if someone comes into contact with HPV more than once, their body will know how to fight it off because of the vaccine.

Does someone ever need more than one injection of the HPV vaccine?

The number of injections somebody needs depends on their age and how well their immune system works:

  • people under 25 usually have 1 injection
  • people aged 25 to 45 usually have 2 injections (given between 6 months and 2 years apart)
  • people with a weakened immune system have 3 injections (given over a 12-month period)
Does the HPV vaccine make people have more sexual partners?

Some parents worry that giving their teenager the HPV vaccine might make them more likely to start having sexual relationships earlier or have more partners. This is a normal concern, but there is no evidence that this happens.

HPV can spread easily through close sexual contact. This includes skin-to-skin touching of the genital areas, as well as sex.

That’s why the vaccine is given to 12- and 13-year-olds – before they become sexually active.

Getting the vaccine  helps to keep young people safe for when they are older and are ready to have sexual relationships.

Why are the government telling young people to have the HPV vaccine?

The government have recommended the HPV vaccine because it is safe. Research has shown that it stops people getting HPV infections and cancers caused by HPV.

Everyone has the right to make their own medical decisions. It’s okay to ask questions and to want more information.

But it’s also important to think about the consequences of those choices.

The HPV vaccine can protect young people from cancers that might develop later in life. Deciding to have the HPV vaccine can be a positive and powerful choice for young people.

Can too many vaccines overload the immune system?

It’s okay to worry about how medical treatments might affect us.

Some people think that having lots of vaccines could be too much for the body. Some other medicines, like antibiotics, have sometimes been given when they were not needed. But this is not true for vaccines.

A big study by the World Health Organization showed that getting several vaccines — even at the same time — does not harm or weaken the immune system.

Vaccines actually train the immune system. They help it learn how to fight off infections safely, without making someone sick first.

Without vaccines, the immune system would have to fight serious diseases on its own — and that can be much harder on someone’s body.

Safety and side effects

How does someone know the HPV vaccine is safe?

It is normal to want to understand how vaccines are made and tested.

Just like all medicines, the HPV vaccine went through lots of careful testing to make sure it is safe and works well. This included years of research in clinical trials with hundreds of thousands of people around the world.

The UK Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) only approved the HPV vaccine once they had examined all the data collected as part of these clinical trials.

The UK introduced the HPV vaccination programme in 2008. Now, more than 100 countries now use the HPV vaccine as part of their health programmes.

Even after the vaccine was approved, experts keep checking to make sure the HPV vaccine is still safe. If a serious problem ever came up, the MHRA could stop it being used. This has never happened for the HPV vaccine.

There is now data from millions of people. The HPV vaccine continues to be one of the safest and most effective vaccines.

What side effects can someone expect from the HPV vaccine?

Like with any medicine, some people may have mild side effects after the HPV vaccine.

The most common side effects are:

  • A sore arm where the needle went in
  • Redness or swelling at the injection site
  • An achy arm for the rest of the day

These side effects are normal and show that someone’s body is building protection against HPV.

Less common side effects (affect about 1 in 10 people):

  • Feeling sick or nauseous
  • Vomiting
  • Feeling hot or shivery (fever)

These may be annoying, but they usually go away in a day or two.

Remember, the HPV vaccine offers protection against much more serious health problems.

For more detailed information about side effects, please see this Patient Information Leaflet.

Are there any more serious problems related to having the HPV vaccine?

Very rarely, someone may have a serious allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis).

This only happens in about 1 in a million people — the same chance as being struck by lightning.

This reaction happens only if someone is severely allergic to something in the vaccine.

It usually happens within minutes of getting the vaccine.

All healthcare professionals involved in giving vaccines are fully trained and have medicine ready to treat it quickly.

Can someone with long-term health conditions have the HPV vaccine?

Yes – most people can get the vaccine, even if they have long-term conditions.

There are specific situations where vaccinations are not recommended. For example, if someone had had previous allergic reactions (or anaphylactic reaction) to ingredients within the HPV vaccine.

A doctor or nurse will always check to make sure the vaccine is safe for each person.

Can the HPV vaccine cause cancer?

No.  The HPV vaccine is made using only a single protein from the surface of the virus. As it is only part of the virus it cannot cause an infection with HPV, which could lead to the development of cancer.

Research from studies across the world has shown that the HPV vaccine is safe and does not cause cancer.

Does the HPV vaccine cause infertility?

No. The HPV vaccine does not harm fertility.

In fact, it helps protect fertility as it is effective at preventing cervical abnormalities and cervical cancer which can make it harder to have children.

Is fainting a side effect of the HPV vaccine?

Some young people feel light-headed or faint before or after getting the HPV vaccine.

This is usually because they are nervous, not because of the HPV vaccine itself.

How to get the HPV vaccine

How can a parent/carer get their teenager vaccinated?

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.

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 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.

If someone has missed getting the vaccine at school, they can usually have it up until their 25th birthday.

Can young people choose to get the HPV vaccine?

In the UK, people under 16 can say yes to medical treatments, like vaccines, if they understand what it is for and feel sure about their decision.

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

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

Does someone have to get the HPV vaccine at school?

If someone wants to have the HPV vaccine but cannot have it at school, they should:

  •  Contact the school immunisation team

The school nurses or immunisation service can give information and help book an appointment in a community clinic.

  • 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.

What happens if someone misses the HPV vaccine at school?

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.

The school immunisation team will contact people who missed the vaccine to help them get it if they want.

What else can someone do?

  •  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.

Can someone who has left school still get the HPV vaccine?

Yes. If someone is a young adult under 25, their GP can check if they have had the HPV vaccine and give it to them if they need it.

Even if they are already sexually active, the vaccine can still protect them from other types of HPV that they have not come into contact with yet.

Somebody who is aged 25 years or older may have to pay for the HPV vaccine privately.

What about gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. How do they get the HPV vaccine?

Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men are at higher risk from HPV.

Men aged 45 or under who have sex with men can get the HPV vaccine at sexual health or HIV clinics.

The number of HPV vaccine doses needed will depend on someone’s age and immune status:

Under 25 years old: One dose

25 – 45 years old: Two doses

Immunocompromised or HIV positive: Three doses

What if someone is transgender or non binary. Is the HPV vaccine relevant for them?

Some transgender (trans) people can get the vaccine for free through sexual health and HIV clinics in the UK:

  • Trans men (men assigned female at birth) younger than 45 who have sex with other men
  • Trans women (women assigned male at birth) younger than 45, on a case-by-case basis

But if someone has already had the vaccine at school, there is no need for them to have it again.

Getting vaccinated at school

When do Year 8 students get the vaccine at school?

The school will let everyone know when the immunisation team are coming to give the HPV vaccine. They will also let everyone know where in the school they need to go to.

Where in the body will the injection go?

The HPV vaccine goes into the muscle at the top of someone’s arm.

Young people can let the nurse know if they would prefer to have it on their left or right arm. It’s a good idea to use the one they do not write with.

Does it hurt getting the HPV vaccine?

The injection only takes a few seconds.

Someone might feel a short sharp scratch. Sometimes someone’s arm feel sore for a day, but it usually goes away quickly.

The nurses are kind and will help you feel at ease.

What if someone is feeling nervous about getting the vaccine?

That’s totally normal. Lots of people feel that way.

Some tips to help:

  • Tell a teacher or nurse – they might let you go first so you’re not waiting.
  • Take deep breaths to stay calm.
  • Try counting backwards from 100 to distract yourself.
How long will it take to get the vaccine?

The injection only takes a few seconds.

How big is the needle?

It’s really small. It’s the same size needle for each injection that’s given.

Some people like to tease so it’s best not to pay attention to what other people in schools are saying about the size of the needle.

What should someone wear to get the vaccine?

Wear a short-sleeved top so the arm is easy to get to.

If someone is wearing long sleeves, that’s okay too.  The nurses will make sure their privacy is respected when they have the vaccine.

Can someone have the vaccine another way?

Unfortunately not. The HPV vaccine must be given as an injection into the arm.

That’s the best and safest way for it to work.

Can someone lie down to have the HPV vaccine?

Absolutely. Someone can lie down if they feel dizzy when they are going to have the vaccine. Just let the immunisation nurse know.