The HPV vaccine Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, February 2009.
Answers to questions about the HPV vaccine
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- My daughter doesn't go to school, can she still have the HPV vaccine?
- Do adult women need to have the HPV vaccine?
- If boys can get HPV too, why don't they need to have the HPV vaccine?
My daughter doesn't go to school, can she still have the HPV vaccine?
If your daughter is within the right age group, she will be able to have the vaccine even if she doesn't go to school.
Explanation
Your primary care trust (local NHS) will make sure that all girls of the right age are offered the HPV vaccine. If your daughter doesn't go to school, your GP or primary care trust (PCT) should contact her to let her know when she's due to have the vaccine. If you're concerned that she hasn't been contacted then talk to your GP or PCT for advice. You will be able to find their contact details either in the phone book or on the internet.
If your daughter does go to school, but her school have decided not to be included in the vaccination programme, contact your PCT for advice.
Further information
NHS Immunisation Information
020 7972 3989
www.immunisation.nhs.uk
Sources
Having the vaccination. National Health Service (NHS) Immunisation information. www.immunisation.nhs.uk, accessed 21 October 2008
Do adult women need to have the HPV vaccine?
No, there are no plans to vaccinate women over the age of 18.
Explanation
The HPV vaccination works best if it's given to girls before they become sexually active. It's given to girls aged 12 and 13, as it provides the best level of protection if given at this age.
Women aged 25 and over are invited to regular cervical screenings. Cervical screening is very successful at preventing cervical cancer. It allows your GP to detect any changes in the cells in your cervix early, so that they can be treated as soon as possible. This can prevent cervical cancer from developing.
Further information
NHS Immunisation Information
020 7972 3989
www.immunisation.nhs.uk
Sources
Having the vaccination. National Health Service (NHS) Immunisation information. www.immunisation.nhs.uk, accessed 21 October 2008
If boys can get HPV too, why don't they need to have the HPV vaccine?
Boys aren't being vaccinated because the HPV vaccine is aiming to prevent cervical cancer, which only affects women.
Explanation
Although HPV does affect males as well as females, the UK vaccination programme is designed to prevent cervical cancer, rather than simply preventing HPV. As this type of cancer only affects women, only girls are being vaccinated.
Further information
NHS Immunisation Information
020 7972 3989
www.immunisation.nhs.uk
Sources
- Having the vaccination. National Health Service (NHS) Immunisation information. www.immunisation.nhs.uk, accessed 21 October 2008
- The 'Green Book' chapter on Human papilloma virus (HPV). Department of Health, 2008. www.dh.gov.uk
Related topics
- The HPV vaccine
- Cancer - a general overview
- Cervical cancer
- Cervical screening
- Human papilloma virus (HPV)
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: February 2009
The HPV vaccine factsheet
Visit the the HPV vaccine health factsheet for more information.
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