The HPV vaccine helps protect against human papillomavirus (HPV). It is recommended for children aged 12 to 13 years old and people at higher risk from HPV.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that’s spread through skin contact (usually when having sex).
Most types of HPV are harmless. But some types are linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including:
- cervical cancer
- mouth cancer
- anal cancer
- penile cancer
- vulvar cancer
- vaginal cancer
| Who should have it | Where to get it |
|---|---|
| Children aged 12 to 13 (school year 8) | Secondary school (or community clinics for those not in school) |
| Girls under 25 and boys born after 1 September 2006 who missed having the vaccine at school | Check with your school nurse, school vaccination team or GP surgery |
| Men under 45 who have sex with men, and other people at higher risk of HPV | Sexual health clinics or HIV clinics |
The Green Book has the latest information on vaccines and vaccination procedures, for vaccine preventable infectious diseases in the UK
Page last reviewed: 24 February 2025