JOIN THE FIGHT
AGAINST CERTAIN
HPV CANCERS
HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination is available on the NHS in schools for all children in year 8/S1 as part of the National Immunisation Programme (NIP).
Website developed, funded and provided by MSD. It is intended to provide general educational information and does not take the place of professional medical advice.
HPV-related cancers develop when the immune system can’t clear up infections caused by types of high-risk human papillomaviruses.
Those HPV infections may cause changes in cells that increase the risk of certain cancers and pre-cancerous lesions in the future, like cervical cancer and anal cancer.
Vaccination can help reduce the risk of your son or daughter developing certain HPV cancers in the future by protecting them against types of high-risk human papillomaviruses.
WHY JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST CERTAIN HPV CANCERS?
Although most HPV (human papillomavirus) infections go away on their own, some types of HPV may cause infections that increase the risk of certain cancers and pre-cancerous cell changes.
The HPV vaccination programme is available on the NHS in schools so that boys and girls can join the fight against certain types of HPV cancers, like anal cancer and cervical cancer.
HPV means human papillomavirus
It’s the name for a group of viruses that may cause diseases in adulthood, like certain cancers and pre-cancerous cell changes.
HPV is common and spreads easily
The viruses move from person to person through close skin-to-skin contact.
Many people don’t know they’re infected with HPV because infections don’t usually cause any symptoms and most clear up on their own.
Some types of HPV are called high-risk because they increase the risk of cancers if an infection lasts a long time. HPV 16 and HPV 18 are examples of high-risk viruses and cause most cases of anal cancer and cervical cancer.
Over 80%
of ANAL CANCERS worldwide are caused by HPV types 16 and 18
OVER 75%
of CERVICAL CANCERS worldwide are caused by HPV types 16 and 18
2 YEARS
Most HPV infections don’t cause symptoms and clear up within two years
+20 YEARS
An infection caused by a high-risk human papillomavirus can take about 20 years or more to turn into types of HPV-related cancer
Your child can join the fight against certain HPV cancers by getting vaccinated against HPV as part of the National Immunisation Programme (NIP).
HPV vaccination helps stop the spread of types of human papillomavirus, including high-risk types HPV 16 and HPV 18.
HOW TO JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST CERTAIN HPV CANCERS
Boys and girls aged 12 to 13 years (11 to 13 years in Scotland) are offered the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination during school year 8/S1 (this is often around September time).
Look out for more information from your child's school.
If you would like any further information about the NHS National Immunisation Programme, or if you think your child has missed their vaccination, please speak to your school nurse or other healthcare professional.
Protect your child now to help reduce their risk of certain HPV cancers in the future. Watch the video below to learn more:
HPV vaccination also helps reduce the spread of types of human papillomavirus from one person to another during close skin-to-skin contact.
The long-term safety profile of HPV vaccines has been well studied in millions of people worldwide.
HPV vaccines are closely monitored to ensure they continue to be suitable for use.
