HPV vaccination

Faces of four happy young girls shot from below

HPV vaccinations - info for parents

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that is spread through sexual contact. Most of the time HPV has no symptoms so people do not know they are carrying the virus. There are approximately 40 types of genital HPV. Some types can cause cervical cancer in women and can also cause other kinds of cancer in both men and women. Other types can cause genital warts in both males and females.

Teenagers are particularly prone to contracting the infection due to lack of awareness about sexually transmitted diseases. It is for this reason that health authorities recommend the HPV vaccine for all girls from the age of 11 years.

The HPV vaccine works by preventing the most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer and genital warts. It is given as a 3-dose vaccine over a six-month period. The second and third doses should be given two and six months (respectively) after the first dose. The protection is not complete without all three injections.

The vaccine is also recommended for girls and women age 17 through 26 years who did not receive it when they were younger. HPV vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines. The vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women and has not been trialed for male teenagers and young men.

For additional information please contact your GP or the PRINCE CLINIC at 08456 525 777.