HPV Vaccination - Gardasil 9
Reduce your risk of developing HPV-related cancers including head, neck, penile, cervical, anal and oropharyngeal (throat) with Gardasil 9, HPV vaccine.
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus passed on by gential contact. There are more than 100 different strains of the virus, many of which are harmless and don’t usually cause any symptoms. However, sometimes the virus persists and certain types can cause cells to change which can lead to serious illness including several cancers. The HPV vaccine we use at Fleet Street Clinic is Gardasil 9 which protects against 9 different strains of HPV.
Almost all cervical cancer is caused by HPV, as well as some cancers of the vagina, vulva, penis, anus, head and neck. As we know, cancer is a serious and often fatal disease. Protection against any types of cancer is certainly very beneficial indeed. Delaying vaccination leaves you unprotected against cancer-causing infections.
The HPV vaccination programme was introduced in 2008, meaning many adults are not vaccinated. Even those who have already been exposed to HPV may still benefit from the vaccine.
For family, group and school HPV vaccination enquiries:
We are able to arrange home or site visits for private HPV vaccination – please contact us for further information.
What does the HPV Vaccine protect against?
The HPV vaccine protects against 9 HPV-related cancers and genital warts using Gardasil 9.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is the name of a common group of viruses. Some are considered high-risk, oncogenic strains and some, low-risk.
Exposure to high-risk, oncogenic HPV infections are known to increase your risk of developing a number of different cancers; including most cervical cancers and some anal, genital, mouth, throat, head and neck cancers. Low-risk HPV infections cause genital warts.
Who should have the HPV Vaccine?
Both men and women are eligible for the HPV vaccine, starting from the age of 9 years old.
It is important for everyone to get the HPV vaccine as HPV-related cancers affect both male and female reproductive organs, as well as head and neck areas.
The HPV vaccine is most effective when given prior to exposure to the HPV infection. It is therefore recommended prior to individual’s becoming sexually active. The HPV vaccine can be administered from the age of 9 years, however, parental consent is required up until the age of 16 years.
Those already sexually active should also consider the vaccine. Gardasil 9 will offer protection against all the strains they haven’t been exposed to. Persons who are pregnant should delay the HPV vaccine until after giving birth.
How many doses of the HPV vaccine are needed?
Following recent changes, 2-doses are required for all.
All those having the HPV vaccine require 2 doses for a full course. The second dose should be given between 6-24 months after dose one.
What is HPV?
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a very contagious and common virus, there are more than 100 known HPV types.
Sometimes they cause no harm and the infection can go away on its own. However, sometimes the virus persists and can cause cells to change, which can lead to HPV-related cancers and/ or genital warts.
There is no cure for HPV; some people fight off the virus without any knowledge of having been infected, whilst the virus can lie dormant in others, remaining undetected for many years. Although the link between HPV and cervical cancer is the most established, HPV is certainly not just a women’s health problem. It is clearly a men’s health problem too.
HPV-related diseases include:
- Precancerous genital lesions
- Anal cancers
- Head, throat & neck cancers
- Penile cancer in men
- Cervical cancer in women
- Vagina and vulva cancer in women
- Genital warts
What is the difference between Gardasil & Gardasil 9?
Gardasil 9 protects against 9 HPV strains; types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 & 58.
It offers the most protection against HPV-related cancers covering 7 oncogenic HPV types. Gardasil 9 is the most effective HPV vaccine currently available.
Gardasil is the original vaccine and is a 4-valent vaccine which offers protection against only 4 HPV strains, of which only 2 are oncogenic HPV types.
What are the symptoms of HPV?
Most people with HPV never develop symptoms or health problems, which is why it can be so hard to detect.
Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types can cause cellular changes. These chances may include abnormal cell growth, which may progress to cancer including cervical, anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers.
For women, regular cervical screening (HPV testing and smear tests) are important to pick up cervical abnormalities as early as possible.
Our Patients Speak for Us
Hareen De Silva
Fantastic front of house staff. Dr Levy was brilliant during my appointment. Nurse Chiara gave me my travel vaccinations and was extremely professional and knowledgeable.
Pamela Cramer
I was treated with kindness and professionalism both during phone calls about whether I was suited to the vaccination and during my visit to the clinic. Follow up was also perfect. Thank you.
Barry Milton
Excellent and efficient service from reception to consultation. Arranged good contact with my local GP which has enabled me to complete my treatment early next week.
P Croft
I went for a covid booster vaccination and my experience was excellent. I arrived 10 minutes early for my appointment, the lady doing it (Lucy) immediately swallowed the last of her doughnut and took me through. She put me at my ease by chatting pleasantly while she prepared things, and then the jab itself was so quick and painless – I literally didn’t feel a thing, including her applying the plaster afterwards! It was a first class experience, all in the delightful setting of the quaint shop in historic Fleet Street.
Ziad Elmagdoub
Had a great experience at Fleet Street Clinic. I went in for my occupational health clearance and everything was smooth from start to finish. The staff were friendly and professional and the whole process was really straightforward. A special thank you to Chiara from the nursing team who handled my tests. She was not only kind and reassuring but also incredibly professional and easy to talk to. She made what could have been a stressful visit feel completely relaxed.
Mr Richard Butcher
I attended the Clinic for two dengue vaccinations. Unlike some other clinics, there was no upper age restriction. The staff were extremely polite, friendly and knowledgeable. I was very impressed (and I have never written that in a review before now!).
Vlad Cochintoiu
Had a great experience booking and getting a last minute rapid rabies jab with Fleet Street Clinic! They even booked me in out of hours for my jab because it was the only way to do it before my travels! Thank you to everyone who assisted me.
Andrew Ritchie
I had flu and Covid jabs and saw the GP all in one shot. The booking system is online and easy. The premises are old worldly and comforting. The reception staff are efficient. The nurse was experienced and delightful. I had blood tests done. The GP ordered them and the results came back in 24 hours. Very nice GP too.
Daz Smith
Excellent service and support throughout my appointment process. Dr Griffiths was very supportive.
Connie
After I was let down with little notice by another pharmacy, I called Fleet Street Clinic and was booked in for the next day for my remaining travel jabs. Staff were very welcoming, professional and efficient. I had a great experience and would highly recommend using their travel vaccination services. The prices are very competitive and they had stock of the rabies vaccine when it was out of stock elsewhere!
FAQs
Gardasil-9 contains viral proteins produced in yeast cells using recombinant technology. These stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against the proteins on the surface of HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. As a result of the vaccine, any virus from these strains will be recognised, inactivated by antibodies, and unable to cause infection.
The HPV vaccine is usually well tolerated, however, some patients will experience temporary side effects. These include redness, swelling or pain at the injection site, headache, fever, nausea and/ or dizziness. These side effects are usually brief and no cause for concern.
Infection is spread by skin-to-skin contact and usually found on the fingers, hands, mouth and genitals. It can be spread through sexual contact, including sexual touching.
In England, girls and boys aged 12 to 13 years are routinely offered the 1st HPV vaccination when they’re in school Year 8. The 2nd dose is offered 6 to 24 months after the 1st dose. Up until the age of 25, anyone is eligible to receive the vaccine for free on the NHS. The vaccine offered on the NHS is Gardasil which protects against 4 common types of HPV rather than Gardasil 9.
Yes. Both men and women can have an HPV vaccine, there is no upper age limit in the UK. The vaccine is most effective prior to sexual activity but offers protection to all who’ve not been exposed to contained HPV strains.
Absolutely. Due to the association between HPV and head, neck, penile and anal cancer, which can all affect men, boys and males are strongly encouraged to have the HPV vaccine. They are now routinely vaccinated alongside girls within the NHS vaccination programme.
It is usually recommended that children should receive the vaccine at age 12/13 as this is usually before children become sexually active and therefore are considerably less likely to have been exposed to the HPV virus yet.
However, you can get the vaccine at any age as those already sexually active will still benefit from protection against HPV strains that have not yet been exposed.
Yes. While almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV, not all are and there is still a chance that you can develop cervical cancer. There is also no guarantee that you haven’t been exposed to some strains of HPV prior to vaccination which could cause cervical cancer. You should attend all your routine cervical smears, regardless of whether you have had the HPV vaccine.
Not necessarily. The vaccine does offer protection against HPV strains to which you have not yet been exposed and most cervical cancers are caused by HPV. So, the vaccine will greatly reduce your chances of getting cervical cancer, but it doesn’t mean there’s no way of developing cervical cancer.
Yes. You should still get the HPV vaccine even if you have tested positive for HPV as the vaccine can provide protection for other strains of HPV that you may not have yet been exposed to. You may test positive for a non-oncogenic strain and therefore would benefit from Gardasil 9 offering protection against 7 oncogenic strains.
