Yes — it's a non-live vaccine with a strong safety record. Side effects are usually mild, such as a sore arm or headache. Serious reactions are very rare.

Travel vaccine

HPV Vaccine

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause cervical and several other cancers, as well as genital warts. The HPV vaccine offers strong protection and is available for those who missed it through the routine programme.

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Key facts

Who it's for

Young people, and adults who missed the routine programme or want protection

Vaccination course

2 doses under age 15; 3 doses for ages 15+ or weakened immunity

Protects against

HPV types causing most cervical and other cancers, plus genital warts

Best timing

Most effective when given before any exposure to HPV

Vaccine type

Non-live vaccine

How it spreads

Close skin-to-skin and sexual contact

Overview

HPV is a very common virus passed on through close skin-to-skin and sexual contact. Most infections clear on their own, but some types can cause cancers of the cervix, and also of the anus, genitals, mouth and throat, while others cause genital warts.

The HPV vaccine protects against the types responsible for the great majority of these cancers and warts. It's given routinely to young people in the UK, and is also available privately for older teenagers and adults who missed it or would like protection.

Risk areas

HPV is common throughout the world and is not linked to specific travel destinations. The vaccine is about long-term protection against HPV-related cancers and warts rather than a travel-specific risk.

Risk for travellers

HPV is so common that most sexually active people will be exposed to it at some point. The vaccine is recommended for young people and is worthwhile for older teenagers and adults who missed it. It works best when given before exposure, but can still benefit people who are already sexually active.

Signs & symptoms

HPV itself usually causes no symptoms
Many infections clear on their own without being noticed
Some types cause genital warts
Persistent infection with certain types can, over years, lead to cervical and other cancers
Cervical screening helps detect early changes before cancer develops
Vaccination plus screening offers the best protection for those eligible

Vaccine details

The HPV vaccine protects against the HPV types that cause most cervical and other HPV-related cancers, as well as genital warts. People under 15 usually need two doses; those aged 15 and over, or with a weakened immune system, need three. It's a non-live vaccine and works best when given before exposure to the virus. We'll confirm the right schedule for your age at your appointment.

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Who should have the HPV vaccine?

HPV vaccination is recommended for young people and worth considering for many adults, particularly if you:

Are a teenager or young adult who missed the routine school programme
Would like protection against HPV-related cancers and genital warts
Are starting to think about long-term health, before or early in sexual activity
Have specific risk factors — we can discuss whether it's worthwhile for you

The vaccination course

The number of doses depends on age. Under 15s usually have two doses several months apart, while those aged 15 and over (and people with weakened immunity) have three doses over six months.

The vaccine is most effective when given before any exposure to HPV, but it can still offer worthwhile protection for people who are already sexually active. We'll confirm the schedule that's right for you.

Possible side effects

Side effects are usually mild and short-lived:

Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
Headache or tiredness
Occasionally feeling faint shortly after the injection (more common in teenagers)
Serious reactions are very rare