It’s not too late to get the HPV vaccine

Since September 2008, the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine has been offered to all UK schoolgirls aged 11-13 and the results have been incredible. A recent study by Cancer Research UK and Queen Mary University of London shows the vaccine has successfully reduced cervical cancer incidence rates by nearly 90%. The vaccine is quite literally saving lives. In fact, scientists say it works so well that cervical cancer could be completely eradicated in the near future.

This is fantastic news for girls growing up in the UK today. But what about the women that missed out on the vaccine? Can they still receive it and would it benefit them at all? YourGP’s Dr Cathrow shines a light on the topic and answers your most common questions.

I left school before the HPV vaccine was introduced in 2008 so I never received it. Is it worth me getting it now?

Yes, definitely. Although the best protection is afforded if the vaccination is given before becoming sexually active, getting the vaccination after this time will still give added protection against the HPV infection.

HPV infection is very common. More than 70% of unvaccinated people will get it. The vaccine helps to protect you from being infected by HPV. This virus increases the risk of developing certain cancers later in life, such as:

• Cervical cancer
• Some mouth and throat cancers
• Some cancers of the anus and genital areas

HPV lives on the skin in and around the whole genital area, so using condoms does not provide complete protection from HPV. There are multiple different types of HPV. The vaccine protects you against some of the types that are most likely to cause cancers.

Can I have the HPV vaccine even if I am already sexually active?

Yes, getting the vaccine will offer added protection, so all women under the age of 45 should consider getting it. You can and should still get the HPV vaccine even if you have had sexual intercourse or sexual contact. While you may have been exposed to one or more types of HPV, it is unlikely that you would have been exposed to all of the types that the vaccine protects against, so it may still be of benefit for you.

Am I at risk of getting HPV even if I practice safe sex?

Yes, HPV lives on the skin in and around the whole genital area, so using condoms does not provide complete protection from HPV.

Can I get the HPV vaccine after an abnormal smear test result?

Yes, you can and should still get the vaccine even if you have had an abnormal smear, because even if you have been infected with HPV, it is not likely that you will have been infected with all of the types that the vaccine protects against. So, you can still benefit from protection afforded by the HPV vaccine.

Should men get the vaccine too?

Yes. From September 2019, the vaccine has also been offered to all boys aged 12-13. This is because the evidence is clear that the HPV vaccine helps protect both boys and girls from HPV-related cancers.

If you left school before this time and never received the vaccine, you should consider getting it now. This is because it will offer protection against a variety of cancers.

Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men are at higher risk of HPV, so if you are a man aged 45 or under who has sex with men, you should definitely get vaccinated against HPV. That said, the vaccine is of benefit to males of all sexualities.

Is the vaccine safe for pregnant women?

Whilst there’s no evidence that the vaccine is harmful in pregnancy, we would usually advise getting the vaccine before becoming pregnant, or waiting until after pregnancy to have the vaccine. The vaccine is safe to have while breastfeeding.

How is the HPV vaccine administered?

The vaccine is given as an injection into your arm. The number of doses you need depends on your age and how well your immune system works. For example;

• People under 25 usually have 1 dose
• People aged 25 – 45 usually have 2 doses (given between 6 months and 2 years apart)
• People with a weakened immune system have 3 doses (given over a 12-month period)

Will I still have to attend regular smear tests if I am vaccinated?

Yes. It is very important to remember that whilst the HPV vaccine will prevent up to 90% of cervical cancer cases, women should still attend their cervical screening when invited to do so.

Does the HPV vaccine protect against other STIs?

No, it is important to note that the HPV vaccine does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

I still have questions about the vaccine – can I speak to someone?

Yes, our experienced GPs are happy to discuss any queries or concerns regarding HPV vaccination and related health issues. Book your appointment today using our simple online booking system. Or you can email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 381 0322 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.