Age
Cervarix, the vaccine for the human papilloma virus (HPV) used in the UK vaccination programme, can be used in children aged 10 and over. The other HPV vaccine, Gardasil, can be used in children aged 9 and over.
However, HPV vaccination is not routinely recommended for children aged 9–12. It is only recommended once a child reaches the age of 12 or 13 (year 8 of schools in England).
Length of protection
Research has shown that the HPV vaccine provides effective protection for at least six years after completing the three-dose course. It is not known how long the vaccine's protection will last beyond this time.
After the vaccination
There is no information about the effect of the vaccine on your ability to drive or use machinery. There is also no advice about playing sports after receiving the vaccine. Therefore, if you are experiencing side effects, you may prefer to wait until you feel better before driving, operating machinery or playing sports.
Other medications
Before being vaccinated, tell your GP if you (or your child) are taking or have recently taken any other medicines including:
- prescription medicines
- over-the-counter medicines
- other vaccinations
For example, the vaccine may not work effectively when it is used with medicines that suppress your child's immune system, such as regular corticosteroids.
Research shows that taking hormonal contraceptives, such as the Pill, does not appear to reduce the protection that the vaccine provides.
Ongoing research
Research is continuing into areas including:
- how long the HPV vaccine provides protection for and whether further booster doses are needed
- whether vaccination against specific types of HPV provides protection against other types that are not covered by the vaccination (cross-protection)
- whether other types of HPV may take over as causes of cervical cancer
- links between HPV infection and other cancers, such as anal cancer or head and neck cancers, which may be associated with anal or oral sex
