Sponsorship statement
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.
“The HPV vaccine” refers to the HPV vaccine currently included on the NHS childhood vaccination schedule.
You are about to exit this MSD website.
MSD makes no warranties or representations of any kind as to the accuracy, completeness, reliability or usefulness of any information contained in third party sites and shall have no liability for any loss or damage of any kind that may arise from your use of such content or information.
Inclusion of any third party link does not imply an endorsement or recommendation by MSD.
Missed a HPV vaccine dose or need information about HPV vaccination programme timings due to COVID-19?
This needs to be signed and returned for your child to be vaccinated.
Please note that COVID-19 may have affected HPV vaccination programme dates. Contact your child’s doctor, school or practice nurse, or a pharmacist for more information.
The HPV vaccine is given at 12-13 years because:
Having the vaccine as part of the NHS childhood vaccination schedule at the recommended age means their body can learn how to fight certain types of HPV viruses before they may catch them
In 12-13 year olds the HPV vaccine is given in 2 doses as part of the NHS childhood vaccination schedule.
In children aged 14 years and over, who are eligible for HPV vaccination as part of the NHS childhood vaccination schedule up until their 25th birthday, the HPV vaccine is given in 3 doses.
It is important that your child has all doses to make sure they get the cover needed to help protect them against certain HPV cancers.
Look out for HPV vaccination programme dates and information from your child’s school.
Please note that dates and information may have changed as a result of COVID-19 school closures.
Speak to your child’s doctor or school for more information.
You can also speak to your child’s doctor if their school is not offering the HPV vaccination programme.
FIND OUT MORE HERE >Boys and girls who miss a dose:
If your child is eligible for HPV vaccination and has missed their first or second dose they can still be vaccinated as part of the NHS childhood vaccination schedule up to their 25th birthday.
FIND OUT MORE HERE >Boys and girls will receive the HPV vaccine offered as part of the NHS childhood vaccination schedule. It can help protect girls and boys from certain types of HPV, including the 2 high-risk types (HPV 16 and HPV 18) that are commonly associated with certain HPV cancers, like anal or cervical cancer.
HPV 16 and 18 infections were down to less than 2% in 16-18 year old girls in 2016 (Data collection period 2010–2016, England)
Like all vaccines and medicines, HPV vaccines go through strict testing before they can be given to the public. They are also closely monitored to ensure they continue to be suitable for the public.