HPV Vaccination

What is HPV?

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that is caught through sexual contact with another person who already has it. Because it is so common, most people will get infected at some point in their lifetime.

There are over 100 types of human papillomavirus but only 13 of them are known to cause cancer.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix (the entrance to the womb) and is caused by the HPV virus.  Cervical cancer can be very serious. In the UK around 3,000 women are diagnosed every year and about 1,000 women die from it.

Why get vaccinated?

In most women the virus does not cause cervical cancer. But having the vaccine is important because we do not know who is at risk.

The vaccine protects against the two types of the virus that cause over 70% of the cases of cervical cancer. It does not protect you against all of the other types, so you will still need to have cervical screening (tests) when you are older.

Having the injection

The HPV vaccine is available to all girls in Year 8 (aged 12 – 13).

You will need three injections, in your upper arm, over the school year to get the best protection. Your school or local NHS in Colchester or Tendring will contact you when it is time for your vaccination.

HPV helpline 0845 602 3303