Book your HPV Vaccine (Human Papilloma Virus) in Worcester

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HPV Vaccine (Human Papilloma Virus)

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a highly common viral infection that affects the skin and mucous membranes. It is primarily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, most often during sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. There are over 100 different types of HPV, some of which are considered high-risk due to their association with certain cancers, including cervical, anal, and throat cancers. Others are classified as low-risk and are more likely to cause benign conditions. HPV can infect people of all genders and ages, and most individuals will contract the virus at some point in their lives, often without ever realising it. While many infections clear on their own without causing harm, vaccination is an effective preventive measure.

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Vaccination Pricing

£175 per dose ( 2 or 3 doses per course)
£350 per course (2 dose)
£525 per course (3 dose)

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of HPV vary depending on the strain, but many people experience no symptoms at all, while others may develop genital warts or, in rare cases, cell changes that can lead to cancer.

Symptoms include:

Genital warts
Respiratory papillomatosis
Abnormal changes in cervical cells
Cervical cancer
Penile cancer

Claines Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01905 453 703

Email: worcestertravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Claines Pharmacy 153 Ombersley Rd, Worcester, WR3 7BX

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Evans Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01684 575 216

Email: malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Evans Pharmacy 231 Worcester Rd, Malvern, WR14 1SU

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The Vaccination

Ages (Years)	Doses Required	Schedule	Boost required at
12-14 years	2	5-13 months apart	Up to day before*
15-44 years	3	2nd dose: 2 months apart 3rd dose: 6 months from 1st dose	N/A

What is HPV?

HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is a very common group of viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes. There are over 100 different types of HPV, and while many cause no symptoms and clear up on their own, some can lead to serious health issues. These include genital warts and, more concerningly, various forms of cancer such as cervical, anal, penile, throat, vulval, and vaginal cancers. HPV is most commonly associated with cervical cancer, with certain high-risk strains – particularly HPV types 16 and 18 – responsible for the vast majority of cases. The virus is so widespread that most sexually active people will contract it at some point in their lives, often without ever knowing. Most infections are asymptomatic and resolve naturally, but persistent infections with high-risk strains can lead to cellular changes and, over time, cancer. HPV affects both men and women, and vaccination has become a key tool in reducing the risk of transmission and related diseases.

How does it spread and how to prevent it?

HPV is primarily spread through direct skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It can also be transmitted through intimate skin contact that doesn’t involve intercourse. Because the virus is transmitted via skin contact, barrier methods like condoms can reduce but not entirely eliminate the risk of transmission. It is possible to contract HPV even from a single sexual partner and even if that partner has no symptoms. The most effective method of prevention is vaccination, ideally administered before a person becomes sexually active. In the UK, the HPV vaccine is routinely offered to boys and girls aged 12 to 13 as part of the school immunisation programme. The vaccine protects against the most harmful strains of the virus, including those responsible for over 70% of cervical cancers and the majority of genital warts. Regular cervical screening (smear tests) for women remains essential, even after vaccination, as it helps detect early changes that could lead to cancer if left untreated.

What are the symptoms?

Most HPV infections do not cause any symptoms and resolve without treatment within one to two years. This is particularly true for the low-risk types. When symptoms do occur, they vary depending on the type of HPV. Low-risk strains can cause genital warts – small growths or lumps that appear on or around the genital and anal areas. These are typically painless but may cause discomfort or itching. High-risk strains, which are linked to cancer, do not produce visible symptoms. Instead, they may cause abnormal cell changes, which can be detected through cervical screening tests. Because the infection is often silent, people can carry and transmit HPV without being aware. In rarer cases, HPV can lead to respiratory papillomatosis – a condition where benign tumours grow in the airways. For this reason, routine screening and vaccination are critical tools in catching and preventing the long-term effects of the virus.

How long does the vaccine last?

The HPV vaccine offers long-lasting protection against the most dangerous strains of the virus. Current evidence suggests that immunity remains strong for at least 10 to 15 years, and likely much longer, possibly even for life. The UK programme uses the 9-valent vaccine (Gardasil 9), which protects against nine types of HPV, including the high-risk types 16 and 18, and the types that cause the majority of genital warts. The standard vaccination schedule includes two doses for adolescents under 15 years, given six months to a year apart. Individuals who start the vaccine course at 15 years or older, or who are immunocompromised, require three doses for optimal protection. Studies show that the vaccine is highly effective in preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related conditions. Booster doses are not currently recommended for the general population due to the durability of immune response, but ongoing research continues to monitor long-term effectiveness.

Countries I need the vaccine for

HPV is a global health concern, and the virus is prevalent worldwide, so vaccination is not specific to travel to certain countries. Instead, it is part of routine preventative healthcare. However, if you are moving to, studying in, or spending extended time in a country where access to the HPV vaccine or cervical screening is limited, it is advisable to get vaccinated before travelling. While HPV infection risks are similar across most regions, the burden of HPV-related diseases, especially cervical cancer, is higher in countries with underdeveloped healthcare infrastructure, limited vaccination coverage, or low screening participation. In this regard, the vaccine offers valuable long-term protection wherever you go. For individuals planning to engage in new sexual relationships abroad, the protection it offers against the most harmful HPV types is particularly beneficial, regardless of destination.

Vaccine side effects

The HPV vaccine is widely recognised for its excellent safety profile and is routinely administered to millions of adolescents and young adults across the world. Most side effects are mild and temporary. Common reactions include soreness, swelling, or redness at the injection site. Some individuals may experience mild fever, headache, dizziness, or nausea shortly after vaccination. These side effects typically resolve within a couple of days. In rare cases, fainting may occur shortly after the injection, which is why recipients are usually asked to remain seated for a short time after receiving the vaccine. Severe allergic reactions are extremely rare, but as with any vaccine, individuals with a known allergy to any component of the vaccine should avoid it. Overall, the benefits of HPV vaccination in preventing serious and potentially life-threatening cancers far outweigh the small risk of side effects. The vaccine is carefully monitored and continually reviewed to ensure its safety and effectiveness remain of the highest standard.