WHAT IS HPV?
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is a common virus that is passed on via genital contact. There are more than 100 HPV types and they infect genital areas. Sometimes they cause no harm and any infection goes away on its own. However, sometimes the virus persists and causes cells to change - this can lead to:
While the benefit of HPV vaccines in preventing cervical cancer is well-established, the role of vaccines in preventing these other conditions is less clear.
WHAT DO HPV VACCINES DO?
HPV vaccines are a vitally important medical advance: these are the first vaccines able to protect against a major cause of cancer.
Two brands of HPV vaccine are licensed in the UK. Cervarix (R) protects against two viral strains (HPV 16 and HPV 18) and is the vaccine used in the NHS campaign to vaccinate adolescent girls. It is licensed for girls and women aged 9 - 26. Gardasil (R) protects against four viral strains (HPV 6, HPV 11, HPV 16 and HPV 18). These four types of HPV cause 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. Gardasil is licensed in the UK for use in girls and women aged 9 - 26, and for boys aged 9 - 15 (though in the USA a license has been applied for to extend the upper age limit of the product license to 26 also, and if granted, a similar application might follow in the UK).
HPV vaccines will not protect against diseases that are not caused by HPV (i.e. other cancers and other sexually transmitted diseases). HPV vaccines may not protect against HPV types to which you have already been exposed.
At the Fleet Street Clinic, we predominantly use Gardasil.
WHO SHOULD GET VACCINATED?
We vaccinate both male and female patients.
In theory, HPV vaccines are best given to young people before they become sexually active, i.e. before they can be exposed to HPV. Those who are already sexually active might also benefit as they might not yet have acquired all four HPV types - so they may get some protection from the vaccine. Most people are not infected with all four HPV types.
Patients aged under 16 can only be vaccinated with parents present.
Although HPV vaccines are only licensed for patients aged under 26, they can be prescribed outside this range at the doctor's discretion.
For families and groups, we are sometimes able to arrange home visits for HPV vaccination - please contact us for further information.
WHO SHOULD NOT RECEIVE GARDASIL?
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
The vaccine is usually well tolerated. The most likely side effects include - pain, itching, swelling at the injection site, fever, nausea, and dizziness.
HOW IS GARDASIL GIVEN?
Gardasil requires a total of 3 injections, at the following minimum intervals:
OTHER IMPORTANT POINTS
The length of vaccine protection is not known yet. To date, research shows that it protects for at least 5 years. It is possible that a booster may be needed at some point in the future, to maintain protection. Girls and women who have been vaccinated will still need regular cervical cancer screening - this is because the vaccine does not protect against ALL types of HPV.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER WAYS TO PREVENT HPV?
The only sure way to prevent HPV is to abstain from sexual activity. Sexually active adults can reduce their risk by limiting their number of sex partners and using condoms. Even people with only one partner can get HPV if their partner has been exposed to a previous partner with HPV. This is why Gardasil represents such an important medical advance.
COSTS:
You will need to book a GP consultation for the first dose (the cost is £70), or it can be included in a sexual health screen or a Well Woman medical. Any of our GPs can offer you detailed information and advice, and will explain the pros and cons of being vaccinated against HPV. If you wish to proceed with vaccination, the cost is £150 per dose for each of 3 doses. The 2nd and 3rd doses are given by one of our nurses - no further appointment fees are payable.
You do not need to have a smear before you have the vaccine.
Families attending together pay a single appointment fee.