August is National immunisation month, and we decided to focus on the HPV vaccine. Below is some of the information with regards to the HPV vaccine, what it is? who can have it? And why it is an important vaccine to have.
The HPV vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective. It protects against four types of HPV – HPV 16, 18, 6 and 11.
HPV 16 and 18 are two of the most common ‘high-risk’ types of HPV, which cause about 7 out of 10 cervical cancers. There isn’t a ‘cervical cancer injection’ that directly stops all cervical cancer cases. But as most cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV, the HPV vaccine plays an important role in reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer.
Cancers of the vagina, vulva, penis and anus, and some types of mouth and throat cancer, are also linked to ‘high-risk’ HPV. This means the vaccine should also protect against these cancer types.
The HPV vaccine tricks the body into thinking it has been exposed to the real HPV virus. This triggers the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against HPV. This is how our body usually fights against and clears infections.
And our immune system has a memory. This means the body will recognise HPV and have antibodies ready if it is exposed to the real virus in future, making HPV much easier to fight off.
How does the HPV vaccine work?
Without the vaccine:
A person with human papillomavirus (HPV) – postive
1. High- Risks types of HPV can damage DNA
2. This can cause cells to divide and grow out of control
3. This can lead to cancer
By protecting against HPV infection, we can help prevent cell changes and reduce the risk of cancer
How does the HPV vaccine work?
With the vaccine :
1. Vaccination protects against the main types of high-risk HPV – HPV16 and HPV18
2. Person is not infected with HPV 16/18
3. Less chance of cells being damaged
4. We will see fewer cancer cases
By protecting against HPV infection, we can help prevent cell changes and reduce the risk of cancer
The HPV vaccination is usually given as two injections at least 6 months apart. You must get both doses of the vaccine for maximum protection. Remember, if you missed your HPV vaccination when it was offered to you in school, you can get the vaccine for free up until your 25th birthday.
People who have the vaccine over the age of 15 will need three doses for full protection. Find out more about HPV vaccination doses(link is external) on the NHS website.
Studies have already shown that protection by the vaccine lasts for at least 10 years, and we are expecting it will be shown to prevent HPV for far longer.
Since September 2019, all children aged 11-13 in the UK can get the HPV vaccine. That’s all children in year 8 in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, or S1 in Scotland.
HPV is spread through close skin to skin contact, often during sexual activity. The HPV vaccine is given at young age, as it is most effective in people who have never had HPV before.
The HPV vaccine started being offered to boys in 2019. This was to try to prevent more HPV-linked conditions, including penis, anus and some types of mouth and throat cancer.
People younger than 25 who missed their HPV vaccination
People who missed their HPV vaccination offered in school can get the vaccine for free up until their 25th birthday.
If you missed either of your doses, talk to your doctor or school immunisation team.
Men who have sex with men can request the vaccine for free through sexual health and HIV clinics in the UK up until the age of 45.
Studies show men who have sex with men may be at increased risk of anal cancer.
People who are transgender
If you are a trans woman (women assigned male at birth), you can get the vaccine for free through sexual health and HIV clinics if your risk is the same as men who have sex with men, and you are aged 45 or under.
Trans men (men assigned female at birth) who have sex with other men and are aged 45 or under can also get the vaccine for free. But if you are a trans man who has already had all doses of the vaccine as part of the vaccination programme at school, there is no need to have the vaccine again.
Do I need to go to cervical screening if I’ve had my HPV vaccination?
Yes, you should still consider going to cervical screening if you’ve had the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine doesn’t protect against all types of HPV. And cervical screening is another effective way to reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer.
Cervical screening is for people without symptoms and helps to spot early cell changes caused by HPV. This means any abnormal cells can be removed before they have a chance to become cancer.
Don’t wait for your next screening appointment if you’ve noticed anything unusual for you or won’t go away. If something’s not normal for you speak to your doctor.
Cervical screening is for women aged between 25 and 64, and anyone else within this age range who has a cervix.
This can include transgender men and people who are non-binary.