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
Liz N
Excellent service, well organised travel clinic with expert and well trained staff. Highly recommended.
Jenny Gibson
We booked, we arrived and we had our vaccines. Everything as expected. What really stood out was the level of medical advice from the nurse giving us our injections. It was explained very clearly to us to the level of protection our vaccine would give. As this was a new vaccine the results of medical trials were also highlighted. There was no push to sell more products, just clear advice on what to avoid and what to do to prepare for our trip to the Far East.
Charles Lee
Fleet Street were excellent. Saw me at short notice and provided a good diagnosis of my condition. Their prescriptions were on the money because my infected ear began to clear up soon afterwards.
M P
We were grateful for the helpful advice they gave us and the chance to speak to a nurse before we booked our appointment. The nurse we saw was very informative, efficient and kind and the reception staff were friendly and professional.
Emily Lavis
Brilliant clinic, would 100% recommend. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable and the nurse's care couldn't have been better. They managed to fit me in for a same-day appointment and provide me with helpful advice for follow up. Thank you :)
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.
Jez John
I love this place; it's my go-to for vaccinations. Now they offer private COVID boosters even better—also much better availability than the high street chemist named after footwear. Everyone is so friendly and professional.
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!).
Geoff Neville
Always responsive and focused. Strong customer service culture. Have a 10 year plus relationship and never a glitch.
Richard Andrews
A really great private GP service. Warm, friendly and professional doctors who make you feel special and heard. The appointments are never rushed and you are properly examined and treated. Highly recommended.
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.
