Having the jab

Getting the vaccine

If you are eligible and do not go to school you will be contacted by your local NHS services. The Local Health Board in your area will have details.  

Vaccine information

This is a new vaccine. It has taken many years to develop a vaccine to protect against the HPV.

All vaccines must past very strict safety checks and clinical trials before they are licensed for use. Clinical trials are studies that are performed to assess if a new vaccine works well and is safe to use. Thousands of girls and women of different ages took part in the clinical trials of the new vaccine against HPV. These trials found that the vaccine offers nearly 100% protection against infection with the two types of HPV that cause 70% of cancers in girls who haven’t previously been infected with the virus. Also, no serious side effects were seen. HPV vaccines are licensed for use in countries around the world.

It is expected the vaccine will protect for 10 years, and probably longer.

Find out more about the vaccine (external link) 

What are the side effects?

Side effects of the vaccine are usually quite mild - normally just stinging and soreness in the arm that soon wears. Information about possible side effects of the vaccine can be found in the information leaflets. 

Allergies and Illnesses

Most girls can have the HPV vaccine with no problem. Even if you have food intolerances, asthma, eczema, hay fever or other allergies you can still have the vaccine.

If in doubt, discuss this with the nurse before having the injection.

If you are unwell or have a temperature on the day of the vaccination tell the nurse and she will advise you on whether it is best to have the vaccine or delay it for a short while.

Frequently asked questions

You might have more questions, take a look at our Question and Answer leaflet, it provides lots of information following frequently asked questions about HPV.