HPV Vaccination

What is HPV?
HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus. There are many types of HPV but only 13 of them are known to cause cancer. The others are harmless of cause genital warts.

How do you get HPV?
You get HPV by being sexually active with someone with someone else who has it. It is very common and over half of all women who have will get infected with HPV at some time in their lifetime.

How can I protect myself?
The HPV vaccine protects against the two strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer in over 70% over women. Because the HPV vaccine does not protect against all cervical cancers and STIs, screening is very important.

Where can I get more information?
For more details about HPV and vaccination, log onto www.immunisation.nhs.uk/vaccines/hpv and www.nhs.uk/hpv

Where can I get vaccinated?
For 2009/10, the vaccine will also be offered to other girls aged 13-18. Your school or your local NHS will provide more information before the vaccination is due.