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One jab.
Long-term protection
The HPV vaccine helps protect young people from several types of cancer.
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very common virus that affects both males and females. Most people will come into contact with it during their lifetime, often without ever knowing it. In some cases, HPV can lead to cancers later in life. The HPV vaccine helps protect against the types of HPV most likely to cause cancer.
The vaccine is routinely offered to boys and girls in Year 8 (aged 12–13) and is one of the few vaccines that helps prevent cancer. The HPV vaccine helps your immune system recognise and fight HPV before exposure occurs. Vaccination at age 12–13 provides the strongest protection because the immune system responds particularly well at this age.
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What cancers can HPV cause?
High-risk HPV can be linked to:
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Cervical cancer
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Head and neck cancers
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Anal cancer
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Penile cancer
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Vulval cancer
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Vaginal cancer
Key facts about the HPV vaccine
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Offered to all boys and girls in Year 8.
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Most young people only need one dose.
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Around 90% protection when given at ages 12–13.
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Contains no live virus and cannot give you HPV.
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Could help prevent more than 100,000 cancer cases in the UK by 2058.
Why it matters
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HPV affects around 4 in 5 people during their lifetime.
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HPV causes around 10,000 cancers every year in the UK.
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Around 1 in 20 cancers are linked to HPV.
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The vaccine provides long-lasting protection against high-risk HPV types.
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More than 280 million doses have been safely given worldwide.
Find out more about HPV, the vaccine, and how to protect your child's future health.
We're raising awareness of HPV vaccine. Please help support the campaign by spreading the word across your social media. In the toolkit below you’ll find assets and messaging you can use. The campaign is supported by RM Partners North West and South West London Cancer Alliance.
#HPVVaccine #OneJabLongTermProtection