£30 booking deposit – Non-refundable on bookings cancelled 24hours prior to appointment
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) Vaccinations
HPV vaccinations protect against human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection making the vaccination an important step towards preventing cervical cancer. The Gardasil HPV vaccine we provide protects against both cervical cancer and genital warts.
HPV Vaccination for Men is also available
There are benefits for men receiving this vaccine too, although men cannot develop cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine for men may prevent genital warts, penile cancer, anal cancer, and the spread of HPV to sexual partners.
HPV / Gardasil 9 PRICE: £180 PER DOSE (3 DOSES REQUIRED)
HPV Infection
Genital Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection is the most common Viral STI in the UK – and the majority of sexually active individuals will have HPV infection at some point in their lives.
There are over 100 strains of HPV. Around 40 of these strains affect the genital region where they can cause either genital warts (low-risk strains) or cancerous and precancerous changes (high-risk strains). Persisting high-risk HPV infection is associated with cervical cancer in 99% of cases. However, high-risk HPV infection has also been directly linked to cancers of the anus, mouth and throat, penis, vulva and vagina.
Transmission
HPV infection is very common. It is transmitted by sexual activity, including oral, anal and vaginal sex. Most people acquire HPV infection when they start sexual activity. Although condoms can reduce the risk of transmission, it does not fully protect against it.
Symptoms
Most people who have HPV infection are not aware that they have the infection and the infection is cleared by their own immune system.
In some people, the symptoms can manifest many years after they have acquired the initial infection.
Genital Warts
• These are fleshy lumps or bumps found around the genital regions. They can be small, raised, multiple, very large and shaped like cauliflowers.
• 90% of genital warts are caused by HPV strains 6 and 11.
• Genital warts are generally harmless and will eventually clear without the need for treatment. However, they can become very large and are a source of embarrassment.
Cervical Cancer
• Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women under 35 years of age and is responsible for 2% of cancers in women overall. HPV leads to changes in the cells of the cervix causing cancerous changes to occur over many years.
• About 1 out of every 100 women will have precancerous changes on their cervical smears, requiring further treatment and causing a great deal of anxiety (Cancer Research UK data).
• 70% of cervical cancers are due to HPV types 16 and 18.
Other Cancers
High-risk HPV infection has been directly attributable to:
• Anal cancer in around 80% to 90% of cases, mainly due to strains 16 and 18. The risk is increased in men who have sex with men.
• Around 40% of vulval and vaginal cancer.
• Around 30% of cancers of the mouth and throat
• Around 47% of cancers of the penis.
Detection
We can screen for the most important strains of HPV including the high risks strains associated with cancer. This is done via highly accurate DNA testing on a swab and we can discuss with you how to manage positive results, including vaccination, if appropriate.
Participation in Cervical screening programmes is essential as this allows early detection and treatment of precancerous changes to the cervix.
Treatment
There is no treatment for HPV infection itself. In the majority of individuals, the immune system will clear the virus.
Treatment is used to manage the symptoms of HPV infection.
Prevention
As HPV is extremely common and can be acquired from sexual activity, the best method of prevention is with this highly effective HPV vaccination which can be administered here at Glasgow Medical Rooms.
HPV Vaccine Schedule
| Age | Method of Administration | Dosing Schedule | Interval between doses | Booster dose requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Girls and Boys 9-14 years of age | Intramuscular injection to the deltoid | 2 doses | 2nd dose administered 6 to 12 months after 1st dose. | Not known |
| Women and Men from 15-45 years of | Intramuscular injection to the deltoid | 3 doses | 2nd dose administered 2 months after the first and 3rd dose | Not known |
Alternate schedule
For individuals 15-26 years of age:
The 2nd dose can be administered at least 1 month after the 1st dose and the third dose can be given at least 3 months after the 2nd dose.
All three doses must be administered within 1 year of the start date.
New HPV 9 Vaccine (9 Valent)
• The HPV vaccine is currently only available privately in the UK.
• The new HPV Vaccine provides immunity to 9 sub-types of HPV including 7 high risk strains. The previous 4 valent version provided coverage against sub-types 6,11, 16 and 18.
• The following 7 High Risk HPV sub-types are contained within the vaccination, HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58, which are found in the majority of HPV associated cancers.
• The vaccine also provides protection against the commonest HPV strains causing warts-strains 6 and 11.
The HPV vaccine is inactivated, which means it cannot cause infection in the vaccinated individual or be transmitted from the vaccinated individual.
Inclusions
The HPV vaccine can be given to both men and women from the age of 9 years, up until age of 45 years.
The vaccine works best when given before you have contracted HPV infection.
If you are unsure if this is for you, why not make an appointment and our GP can discuss whether the vaccine is appropriate for you.
How long does HPV vaccine last?
How long does the HPV vaccine protect for? Studies have already shown that the vaccine protects against HPV infection for at least 10 years, although experts expect protection to last for much longer.
Special Considerations
The HPV vaccine is used for prevention only and cannot treat existing HPV infection.
HPV Vaccination 9 and HPV Vaccine 4 valent are not interchangeable. Therefore, HPV 9 cannot be used to complete courses started with HPV 4 valent and vice versa.
You can receive HPV Vaccine 9 if you have previously and the full vaccination course with HPV 4 valent vaccine. This has not been shown to be harmful.
Exclusions
The following groups cannot receive the vaccine:
• Anyone under 9 years of age.
• Previous history of severe allergic reaction to the 4 valent vaccine or 9.
• Previous history of severe allergic reaction to any of the ingredients of the vaccine, including yeast.
• Acute illness with fever (greater than 38.5 degrees Celsius).
Pregnancy
Although the vaccine is inactivated and there is data showing that no foetal abnormalities have occurred from using the vaccine, the data is not sufficient to recommend vaccinating with HPV 9 Valent vaccine during pregnancy. It is best that vaccination should be postponed until delivery.
Breast Feeding
There is sufficient evidence from clinical studies showing that the vaccine did not cause any adverse effects in infants who were breast fed during the vaccination course. Thus, the vaccine can be given safely to breast feeding mothers.
Common Side Effects
It has been shown to be well tolerated in clinical studies and post marketing data.
The common side effects observed included:
• headaches
• dizziness
• nausea
• pyrexia
• myalgia
• fatigue
• injection site reactions-redness, swelling and pain, nausea, vomiting
Rare side effects seen were loss of consciousness at the time of the vaccine administration.
Interactions with Other Vaccines
HPV Vaccine-9 can be given at the same time as:
• Diphtheria, tetanus, inactivated polio and pertussis
There is no data on administration with other vaccines. If given at the same time as other vaccines, it should be administered in a separate limb.
There is no interaction between HPV Vaccine 9 and hormonal contraception.
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£30 booking deposit – Non-refundable on bookings cancelled 24hours prior to appointment