HPV vaccine in the UK: who gets it free on the NHS and how late you can catch up

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very common virus spread by close contact. Most people catch it at some point and usually clear it on their own. But some types can cause cancer over time, and others cause genital warts. The HPV vaccine protects against this, and in the UK it is free on the NHS. Here is who gets it and when.

Who gets the routine jab?

The routine HPV vaccine is offered to all children aged 12–13, in school year 8. It is given as an injection in the arm, usually at school by a vaccination team, or at a community clinic for those not in school. For most children and young people under 25, a single dose is enough. Parents usually sign a consent form for the school jab, and the child and family are told beforehand why it is offered.

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What if you missed it?

A missed jab can be caught up free on the NHS. Girls aged 24 and under, and boys born after 1 September 2006, can be vaccinated up to their 25th birthday if they missed it at 12–13. To book, contact your school nurse, school vaccination team or GP surgery.

How many doses for adults?

The number of doses depends on age and health. Under 25, usually one dose. Aged 25 to 45, usually two doses, 6 months to 2 years apart. People with a severely weakened immune system have three doses over a year.

What does it protect against?

It protects against the HPV types that most often cause cervical cancer, as well as mouth, anal, penile, vulval and vaginal cancers. It also protects against genital warts. Importantly, vaccinated women should still attend cervical screening when invited, because a small risk remains and screening catches changes the vaccine does not cover.

Is there a jab for other groups?

Yes. Men aged 45 and under who have sex with men can be vaccinated free at a sexual health or HIV clinic, up to their 46th birthday. It is also sometimes recommended for transgender people at similar risk, sex workers, and people with HIV.

What should parents and young people remember?

The HPV vaccine protects against several cancers for years to come, and works best when given before becoming sexually active, in the teenage years. But those who missed it at school can still catch up free until 25. If you or your child missed it, it is worth booking without delay, while the free entitlement lasts.