The HPV vaccine will reduce your risk of getting cervical cancer by over 70%.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer occurs in the cervix (the entrance to the womb). It is caused by a virus called human papillomavirus, or HPV.  Cervical cancer can be very serious and around 1,000 women die of it in the UK each year. 

The virus

The virus is very common and you catch it by being sexually active with another person who already has the virus. Because it is so common most people will get infected at some point in their lifetime. Most of the time the virus does not cause cancer as it is killed off by the body's immune system, but not always - this is why the vaccine is so important.

The HPV vaccine

The vaccine protects against  two types of the HPV virus that cause most (over 70%) of the cases of cervical cancer. You will need three injections over several months to get the best protection. Having the vaccine won't protect you from other STIs like chlamydia and it won't stop you from getting pregnant. 

Who can have the vaccine?

From September 2008 girls aged between 12 and 13 in school will be offered the HPV vaccine.  Older school girls will also be offered the vaccine over the next couple of years. Your parents or carers will be contacted when it is time for your vaccination.

If you are aged 12-18 and not in school you can still get the vaccine by asking your GP.

More information

For more information visit www.immunisation.nhs.uk or telephone the Patient Advisory Liaison Service on 0117 900 3433.