Under 45? Protect yourself against HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) with a safe, NHS-recommended vaccination in central London. Book your appointment today to reduce your risk of cervical, throat, and other HPV-related cancers.
Book your online appointment or visit us at our City of London clinic, open 7 days a week, evenings and offering same-day appointments.
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Our highly experienced clinicians will offer you a course of vaccination in our comfortable central London location
A full HPV vaccination course requires 2 vaccinations roughly 6 months apart. Book your visit in advance with our friendly team (extra £175 for second course)
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is based on NHS recommendations. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider for advice on medical conditions or treatments.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is an extremely common virus that can affect anyone who has ever been sexually active. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact during intimate activities, and whilst most people's immune systems will clear it naturally, some types of HPV can persist and potentially cause serious health problems.
Some strains of HPV can lead to various types of cancer, including cervical cancer in women, throat cancer, and genital cancers in both men and women. The good news is that vaccination can prevent infection from the most dangerous types of HPV. Whilst the NHS routinely offers the vaccine to teenagers in school, many adults who missed out can still benefit from getting vaccinated, as it provides protection even if you've already been sexually active.
As of September 2023, the NHS offers the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to all children aged 12 to 13, typically administered in Year 8 of secondary school. This vaccine protects against nine types of HPV, which can lead to various cancers, including cervical, throat, and genital cancers, as well as genital warts. The current guidance recommends a single dose for most individuals under 25, simplifying the vaccination process and enhancing accessibility.
For those who missed the vaccine at the recommended age, it remains available for free on the NHS: girls up to age 25 and boys born after 1 September 2006 are eligible. Men under 45 who have sex with men, as well as certain transgender individuals at higher risk, can also receive the vaccine through sexual health or HIV clinics. It's important to note that individuals with weakened immune systems may require a different dosing schedule. The NHS advises that even those vaccinated should continue to participate in routine screenings, such as cervical screening for women, to ensure comprehensive protection against HPV-related health issues.
The HPV vaccination normally requires a course of doses, rather than a single jab. For most people aged 15 and under, the standard course consists of two doses given at least six months apart. This schedule provides excellent long-term protection against the most dangerous types of HPV, and research shows it's just as effective as the previous three-dose schedule. Please note that the upper age limit for a HPV vaccine is 45.
For people who start their vaccination aged 15 or older, or those with weakened immune systems, three doses are recommended over a period of 6-12 months. After completing the full course of HPV vaccination, whether it's two or three doses, you typically don't need any further boosters. Current evidence suggests the protection lasts for at least ten years, and likely much longer, though researchers continue to monitor this.
We provide a comprehensive range of services, from private GP consultations and specialised men's and women's health care to advanced ultrasound scans and proactive health screenings, all within a reassuring and state-of-the-art environment.
You have a question about HPV Vaccinations in London? We have an answer.
At Spital Clinic London, the cost of a single dose of a Gardsil 9 HPV Vaccine is £175.
The HPV vaccine works by triggering your immune system to produce antibodies that fight against specific types of Human Papillomavirus. These vaccines contain particles that look like the actual virus to your immune system, but they aren't infectious and can't cause HPV infection. Instead, they teach your body to recognise and defend against these harmful virus types before you ever encounter them.
When you get vaccinated, your body creates a strong immune memory that can last for many years. If you're later exposed to HPV through intimate contact, your immune system recognises the virus and quickly produces antibodies to prevent infection. The vaccines used in the UK protect against the most dangerous types of HPV that cause the majority of cervical cancers and genital warts, offering highly effective prevention against these serious health conditions.
Yes, you can still benefit from the HPV vaccine even if you're sexually active or have had HPV before. The vaccine protects against multiple strains of the virus, so even if you've been exposed to one type, you can still get protection against others.
Although the vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV, studies show it can still help prevent future infections and related health problems in people who are already sexually active. The vaccine won't treat existing HPV infections, but it can protect you against other strains you haven't encountered yet.
Like any vaccine, the HPV jab can cause mild side effects such as soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Some people might experience headaches, mild fever, or fatigue for a day or two after getting vaccinated.
Serious side effects are extremely rare, and millions of doses have been safely given worldwide. The benefits of protection against HPV-related cancers far outweigh the risks of any side effects. If you're concerned about side effects, discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Yes, men can definitely get HPV infections, which can lead to penile cancer, anal cancer, throat cancer, and genital warts. The virus doesn't discriminate by gender, and men can both contract and transmit HPV through intimate contact.
Vaccinating men not only protects them from HPV-related cancers and genital warts but also helps reduce transmission of the virus to their partners. This is why many countries, including the UK, now recommend the vaccine for people of all genders.
No, HPV cannot be transmitted through casual contact or shared facilities. The virus requires direct skin-to-skin contact, typically during intimate activities, to spread from person to person.
You cannot catch HPV from toilet seats, swimming pools, shared towels, or hugging and kissing. Understanding this helps reduce stigma around HPV infection and emphasises that it's a common virus that most sexually active people will encounter at some point in their lives.
In some European countries, an additional HPV vaccine dose may be offered between 0 and 6 months if needed. However, according to UK guidelines, most people under 25 only require two doses given six months apart. A third dose is only recommended for those with weakened immune systems.
The number of HPV vaccine doses depends on your age and health:
Under 25 years old – usually one dose
Aged 25 to 45 – two doses (given at least 6 months apart)
Weakened immune system – three doses over 12 months
Your healthcare provider will assess your needs and recommend the right schedule.
The HPV vaccine is routinely offered to children aged 12 to 13 in school (usually Year 8). However, it is also available for other groups at higher risk of HPV infection, including:
People under 25 who missed the vaccine in school
Men under 45 who have sex with men (offered at sexual health or HIV clinics)
Individuals at increased risk of HPV exposure, including those with certain medical conditions
For the best protection, it is ideal to have the HPV vaccine before becoming sexually active, as this reduces the risk of HPV infection. If you are unsure whether you qualify for the vaccine, check with your GP, school nurse, or a sexual health clinic.
Yes, the HPV vaccine is available for men who have sex with men (MSM) up to and including 45 years old. It is offered through specialist Sexual Health Services (SHS) and HIV clinics to help prevent HPV-related cancers and genital warts. If you are MSM and eligible for the vaccine, the number of doses you need depends on your health:
Two doses – for most MSM under 45
Three doses – for those living with HIV or with a weakened immune system
HPV is easily spread through intimate contact, and MSM are at higher risk of HPV-related cancers, including anal, penile, and throat cancers. Vaccination offers long-term protection, so if you haven’t had it yet, ask about it at your local sexual health clinic or HIV service.
Spital Clinic is happy to provide an accessible and affordable HPV Vaccination service in London for £165 a dose.
The Gardasil 9 HPV vaccine is available at Spital Clinic, offering protection against nine high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). These strains are linked to cervical, anal, vulvar, vaginal, and penile cancers, as well as genital warts.
The vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against HPV, preventing infections that could lead to cancer or genital warts. It contains purified HPV proteins in virus-like particles, which train your body to recognise and fight the virus without causing infection.
According to verified reviews from platforms such as Doctify, TrustPilot and Google - 99% patients have a positive experience at Spital Clinic.
"Great experience. Frustratingly we had 3 NIPTs come back with no result so had to do 3 blood redraws but thanks to LPC’s persistence we finally got a result on the 4th draw. After the 3rd no result they also kindly offered us a free anomaly scan."
"I had a surprisingly positive experience. The most friendly and helpful staff, clean and beautiful premises. The visit was smooth and quick but never felt rushed and I was able to ask all the questions I had. Thanks so much!"
"The service was exceptional from the moment we booked to the moment we left the building post our appointment. The lovely colleagues at the main desk were great and approachable. They made the whole process very comforting."
"I really recommend this clinic, everything was smooth and perfect. All staff are helpful and our sonographer Miss Shaz is an expert on her job, she is very kind and explained everything that we asked. I am glad to choose LPC."
Our medical centre is at 36 Spital Square, E1 6DY, City of London.
