How do I get vaccinated?

There are two HPV vaccines available in the UK.

Beginning in September 2008, girls aged 12 to 13 years were offered HPV vaccination in year 8 of school (or S2 in Scotland or school year 9 in Northern Ireland) as part of the national HPV immunisation programme. From September, the vaccine will also be offered to 17 and 18 year old girls i.e. all girls born between 1st September 1990 and 31st August 1991. Three injections will be needed over a period of about six months. During 2009 and 2010 there will be a further catch-up programme, so that all girls leaving school after 2010 will have been offered vaccination to protect against cervical cancer later in life. If you were born before 1st September 1990 the availability of the vaccine on the NHS will depend upon government guidelines and your local NHS policy.

If you are not eligible for vaccination through the NHS, private clinics will be able to offer the vaccination. In this case, you will have to pay somewhere between £130 and £150 per dose i.e. between £400 and £450 for the full course.

Your doctor or nurse will be able to give you further advice.