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Your immune system, the natural disease-fighting system of the body, is designed to protect you from infections. However, in some cases – such as some HPV infections – your natural immunity may not be sufficient to protect you.

The prevention of cervical cancer by vaccination works by stimulating your immune system to provide protection against the most common cancer-causing HPV infections. Like most vaccines, it is designed to give you immunity against infection without the need to experience the disease or its symptoms.

Once vaccinated your immune system recognises invading viruses and produces substances called antibodies which try to destroy or disable them. In this way, your immune system is better able to protect you against cervical cancer.

Since vaccination does not protect against all HPV types which cause cervical cancer, just against the most common cancer-causing types, attending your regular smear test is important.