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.
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 £165 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.
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.
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.
Spital Clinic is happy to provide an accessible and affordable HPV Vaccination service in London for £165 a dose.
Our medical centre is at 36 Spital Square, E1 6DY, City of London.