There are over 100 varieties of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and 4 out of 5 people will come into contact with at least one type of the HPV virus at some point in their lives*. Most forms of the HPV infection are harmless, however some can cause genital warts and abnormal cells that are linked to cervical cancer and other cancers in men and women.

The HPV vaccination (Gardasil 9) protects against 9 types of HPV, including 2 types that can cause more than 70% of cervical cancers in the UK and 2 types of the virus that cause 90% of genital warts**.

For two doses, the cost is £365 (£182.50 per dose). For a course of three vaccinations, the cost is £520.

The vaccination at LloydsPharmacy stores, is suitable for anyone aged between 12-45 years old, unless you are pregnant. Or if you choose to complete your consultation with our Online Doctor, the service is suitable for men and women (unless pregnant) aged 18 years and older, there is no upper age limit for the vaccination. For men, it will help prevent the most common cause of genital warts, and it also protects against some types of cancer.

Click here to view our HPV guide in Mandarin.

HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). This means that you can get HPV by having intimate sexual contact with someone who has the virus.

It can be passed on even when an infected person shows no signs or symptoms and symptoms can often take years to develop.

Unfortunately, there is no way to fully protect yourself from HPV. However, there are things that you can do to help yourself:

Gardasil 9 is given as an injection in the upper arm. The number of doses you need depends on your age.

The vaccine can be administered using a 2-dose or 3-dose schedule. For the 2-dose schedule, the second dose is administered 6 months after the first dose. For the 3-dose schedule, the third dose is administered at least 4 months after the second dose. All 3 doses must be given within the course of one year.

Please see more information on HPV dose schedules.

You might experience some temporary side effects after your vaccination.

These may include:

You may also notice some redness, swelling, itching, bruising at the site of the injection.

If you're worried about the potential side effects of the HPV vaccine our guide could help to put your mind at ease.

The service will take approximately 15 minutes.

Yes, you can get the HPV vaccine when you’re menstruating.

You can have the vaccination if you have a cold, but if you’re feeling very unwell or have a fever it should be rearranged for when you have recovered.

Condoms can help prevent you catching HPV from those with the infection, however getting vaccinated helps to ensure the best protection.

It’s always best to practice safe sex, even after the vaccine as it doesn’t protect against other sexual transmitted infections.

Yes, you will still need to go for your cervical screening (smear test) even after your vaccination. Find out more out cervical screenings here.

HPV is associated with certain types of penile and throat cancer, as well as genital warts. The vaccine will lower your risk of developing these cancers while also protecting against genital warts. The HPV vaccine has been offered in schools to girls aged 12-13 years since 2008, and from September 2019 the vaccine has also been offered to boys aged 12-13. This means that all boys and girls in school year 8 will be offered the vaccine.

However, boys above this age will have missed out on the chance to receive the vaccine in school. For any girls who missed their vaccination in school, it is available on the NHS up until their 25th birthday.

LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor works with three simple steps. Complete a short medical form that corresponds with the treatment you require. An online assessment will then be carried out by one of our qualified clinicians. Once approved, your order is processed and treatment made available in store. When your vaccine is available you’ll need to call your chosen store to arrange a day and time for your vaccination. Start your consultation for HPV vaccinations today.