HPV vaccine
You can get the HPV vaccine in Brighton and Hove from our pharmacy.
Please call our pharmacy on 01273 699 883 or ask in-store about our HPV vaccine service.
The HPV vaccine helps protect against cancers caused by HPV, including:
- Cervical cancer
- Mouth and throat (head and neck) cancers
- Some cancers of the anal and genital areas
It also helps protect against genital warts.
What is HPV?
HPV is the name given to a very common group of viruses.
There are many types of HPV, some of which are called “high risk” because they’re linked to the development of cancers, such as cervical cancer, anal cancer, genital cancer, and cancers of the head and neck.
Other types can cause conditions like warts or verrucas.
High-risk types of HPV can be found in more than 99% of cervical cancers.
There’s a lesser association between HPV and some of the anal and genital cancers, and cancers of the head and neck.
HPV infections do not usually cause any symptoms, and most people will not know they’re infected.
How is the HPV vaccine given?
The HPV vaccine is given as 2 injections into the upper arm spaced at least 6 months apart.
It’s important to have both doses of the vaccine to be properly protected.
If you missed the HPV vaccine offered in school Year 8, you can get it for free up until your 25th birthday.
But if you get your 1st vaccine dose at the age of 15 or over, you’ll need to have 3 injections.
Men who have sex with men (MSM), and trans men and trans women who are eligible for the vaccine, will need 3 doses of the vaccine (2 if they’re under 15).
If you need 3 doses of the vaccine:
- The 2nd dose should be given at least 1 month after the 1st dose
- The 3rd dose should be given at least 3 months after the 2nd dose
It’s important to have all 3 vaccine doses to be properly protected.
How long does the HPV vaccine protect for?
Studies have shown that the vaccine protects against HPV infection for at least 10 years, although experts expect protection to last for much longer.
However because the HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer, it’s important that all women who receive the HPV vaccine also have regular cervical screening once they reach the age of 25.
Please call our pharmacy on 01273 699 883 or ask in store about our HPV vaccine service.