HPV vaccination at Well Pharmacy

Keen to learn more? Here we explain what the human papillomavirus (HPV) is, who is at risk of HPV and how you can protect yourself against it.

What is HPV?

While you may not have heard of it, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus. In fact, over 170 different versions have been identified. It’s also thought that nearly everyone will get an HPV infection at some point in their lives. It is usually harmless, however. In most cases, your immune system will clear the infection naturally and you won’t experience any symptoms. Sometimes the HPV infection can survive and live in your body, resulting in serious symptoms and diseases, like genital warts and cervical cancer.

What are the symptoms of HPV?

Nearly everyone gets an HPV infection at some point in their life, but in most cases you don’t realise. Your immune system clears the infection, and you have no symptoms. But if an HPV infection doesn’t go away, it can lead to more serious symptoms and complications. These include: 

• warts on your skin
• warts on and around your genitals and anus (genital warts)
• cervical cancer
• cancer of the vagina, cervix, penis, and anus 
• cancer of the mouth, tonsils, and throat.

How do you catch HPV?

HPV infections are most often caught through skin-to-skin contact. The longer skin is in contact, the more of a chance the virus has to spread to the other person. Sex is the most common method of transmission. 

HPV can be spread by any form of sexual contact, but vaginal and anal sex are the most common ways this happens. HPV can also be passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy.

How can I protect myself against HPV?

You can reduce your chances of catching an HPV infection by using condoms. This won’t fully protect you, however, as the virus can live on skin around the genitals that isn’t covered by a condom. 

The best way to protect yourself against HPV is to have an HPV vaccine. The vaccine gives you lasting protection against the majority of HPV types. 

What is the HPV vaccine?

The vaccine contains parts of the HPV virus but not the entire virus. This means the vaccine can’t give you the infection but allows your immune system to develop the antibodies to kill the virus. If an HPV virus tries to infect you after you’ve been vaccinated, your body will already have the defences to stop it.

It’s best to have the HPV vaccine before you become sexually active. You can also benefit from an HPV vaccine at an older age. This is because there are many types of the HPV virus and the vaccine can protect you even if you’ve already been infected by some of them. 

Who is the Well HPV vaccination service suitable for?

Our HPV vaccination service is suitable for males and females between the age of 9 and 45. You can have the vaccine as long as you:

• haven’t already had the full course of the HPV vaccine
• aren’t pregnant
• haven’t had an allergic reaction to a vaccine before
• don’t have a temperature on the day of your appointment.

You need to be over the age of 18 to book your own vaccination appointment but a parent or legal guardian can book the appointment for you if you're under 18. They will also need to come with you to your appointment.

How much does it cost?

The HPV vaccination costs £320 for two doses.

Patients will receive two doses of the vaccine:

• one dose at their first appointment 
• another dose six months after the first dose.

Vaccinations are subject to stock levels and the professional discretion of the pharmacist.

Can I book for other people?

You can book HPV vaccination appointments for up to four people. You will all attend the same appointment and your group will need to arrive at the pharmacy at the same time.

Please note:

• If any other people in your booking are aged 18 or over, you will need to have their consent to book the appointment on their behalf.
• If anyone in your booking is under 18, you will need to provide their legal guardian’s details and they must be accompanied to the appointment by their legal guardian.

Can I book for other people if I’m not getting the HPV vaccine?

Yes, you can book for other people if you’re not getting a vaccine. We will ask for your details and contact information to manage the booking.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

We’ll send you an appointment confirmation email with contact details for the pharmacy. Please call the pharmacy as soon as you can to let them know if you can’t make it to your appointment. They’ll be able to help you if you need to reschedule.

Where can I find out more?

If you have other questions, or you would like to talk to someone face-to-face, then our pharmacists are happy to answer any questions you have about the HPV vaccine. Find your nearest Well pharmacy.

HPV vaccine FAQs

Is the HPV vaccine safe?

The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect yourself against HPV infections. As with any medication, vaccines can cause side effects in some people. These side effects tend to be mild and short-lasting for the HPV vaccine, like a sore arm where the vaccine was injected. Severe or lasting side effects are extremely rare with vaccinations as they are put through rigorous clinical trials before they’re approved for use and scientists continually monitor the safety of vaccines as they’re in use

Can boys have the HPV vaccine?

When the first HPV vaccines were developed, they were usually only given to girls. Today it’s recommended that boys have the HPV vaccine too, as the vaccine can protect them from infections and lower the risk of developing warts and HPV-related cancers. Vaccinating boys also helps to reduce the spread of HPV infections. 

Can adults have the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is for adults too. You can have the vaccine up to the age of 45. After this age, the benefit of having an HPV vaccine is usually minimal, as adults over the suitable age may have already contracted and cleared the most common types of HPV infection.