HPV is the name given to a very common group of viruses. There are many types of HPV, some of which are called "high risk".
The vaccine protects against two of the high-risk strains of HPV 16 and 18 which are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancers and around 80% of anal, genital, head and neck cancers. It also protects against HPV types 6 and 11 which are responsible for 90% of genital warts.
All 12- and 13-year-olds in school Year 8 will be offered the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Your child will be invited to have the vaccination at school. If your child does not currently attend school, they will be invited to an alternative local community venue.
Most people require only one dose of the HPV vaccine. This will be given in School Year 8. If a person has a weakened immune system they may need 3 doses (ideally given within a 12 month period).
We now use Gardasil 9 which protects against 9 types of HPV: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. Between them, types 16 and 18 are the cause of most cervical cancers in the UK (more than 80%). Types 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 cause an additional 15% of cervical cancers. HPV types 6 and 11 cause around 90% of genital warts, so using Gardasil 9 helps protect girls and boys against both cancer and genital warts.
Watch this video from Public Health England for more information on the HPV vaccination: