HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination

What is the HPV vaccination for?

Cervical cancer is the second most common form of cancer in women under 35 in the UK; the main contributory cause is Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Circle Health offers two vaccinations which can help protect against diseases caused by certain strains of HPV.

What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

HPV is a very common, easily transmitted infection that is usually spread through sexual contact. It affects both women and men and the majority of us will encounter the virus at some point in our lifetime. Our immune systems will often clear it from the body naturally, without ever knowing they have been infected. An estimated 80% of sexually active women are expected to become infected with HPV at some point in their lives by the age of 50.

What diseases do HPV cause?

There are more than 100 types of HPV, most of which are relatively harmless. But, some types can cause cervical cancer or abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix that sometimes turn into cancer. Types 6 and 11 can cause external genital lesions like vulval and vaginal lesions and genital warts. 99.7% of cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV.

HPV Facts

Each year in the UK, over 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 1,000 die from the condition. The leading cause of cervical cancer is HPV. Some other important facts: 

• Among sexually active young adults, up to 46% have HPV 
• Despite efforts to educate the public to use condoms, people still have unprotected sex - and at an increasingly younger age 
• Boys can also benefit from an HPV vaccination. HPV causes genital warts in males and can also cause male cancers.

Is it really worthwhile getting vaccinated against HPV?

Despite screening for early detection, cervical cancer remains the second most common cause of death from cancer (after breast cancer) among young women (15-44 years) in Europe. Around 33,400 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and about 14,700 women die from this disease each year.

How much will it cost?

Charges vary, so please enquire when you make your appointment. Charges will include: 

• Consultation and counselling fees 
• Course of three injections 
• Any additional tests e.g. blood tests, as recommended at your consultation will be done at an additional cost