Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

HPV Vaccine (Human Papilloma Virus)

HPV Vaccine (Human Papilloma Virus)

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

HPV vaccine

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus with over 200 known strains, most of which are harmless. However, certain high-risk types can cause cervical cancer, genital warts, and other forms of cancer, including those affecting the anus, penis, throat, and vulva. Vaccination is most effective when given before any sexual activity begins, as it provides protection before initial exposure to the virus. Nevertheless, even if you have already been sexually active, you can still benefit from the vaccine, as it may protect against strains you haven’t yet encountered.

Vaccination Pricing

£175 per dose ( 2 or 3 doses per course)
£350 per course (2 dose)
£525 per course (3 dose)

Evans Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01684 575 216

Email: malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

231 Worcester Road, Malvern, WR14 1SU

Claines Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01905 453 703

Email: worcestertravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

worcesterravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

153 Ombersley Road, Worcester, WR3 7BX

The Vaccination

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Boost required at
12-14 years 2 5-13 months apart Up to day before*
15-44 years 3 2nd dose: 2 months apart
3rd dose: 6 months from 1st dose		 N/A

Human Papillomavirus, commonly referred to as HPV, is a group of over 200 related viruses that can infect the skin and mucous membranes. It is one of the most widespread sexually transmitted infections globally, and most people will contract some form of HPV during their lifetime, often without ever knowing it. While many strains of HPV are harmless and resolve on their own, certain high-risk types can lead to serious health issues, including cervical cancer, genital warts, and cancers of the anus, penis, throat, and vulva. There are also low-risk types that cause warts but do not lead to cancer. HPV infection is particularly concerning because it often causes no symptoms, meaning individuals can transmit the virus or be affected by it without realising they are infected.

HPV is primarily spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact, most often during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can be transmitted even when an infected person has no visible symptoms or warts. The virus can also spread through genital contact without penetration, which means that condoms, while helpful in reducing the risk, do not offer complete protection. The most effective way to prevent HPV infection is through vaccination, which protects against the most harmful high-risk and wart-causing strains. Additional preventative measures include practising safer sex, limiting the number of sexual partners, and attending regular cervical screening tests (smear tests) for early detection of changes caused by HPV. Good genital hygiene and avoiding smoking, which weakens the immune response, can also reduce the risk of complications.

The HPV vaccine offers long-term protection against the strains most commonly associated with cancer and genital warts. Current research shows that the vaccine provides effective immunity for at least 10 years, and protection is expected to last much longer—possibly for life—though studies are ongoing. In the UK, the vaccine is routinely offered to girls and boys aged 12 to 13 as part of the school immunisation programme, with a two-dose schedule. For individuals who begin vaccination after the age of 15, three doses are usually required. The vaccine is most effective when given before a person becomes sexually active, but adults can still benefit from vaccination if they have not previously been exposed to the most harmful strains.

In most cases, HPV does not cause any noticeable symptoms, and the infection often clears on its own within a couple of years without causing harm. However, certain strains can lead to the development of visible genital warts; small, flesh-coloured lumps around the genital or anal area. These may be painless but can cause irritation or discomfort. More concerning are the high-risk types of HPV, which can cause changes in the cells of the cervix and other areas, potentially leading to cancer over time if not detected and treated. These changes are typically found during routine cervical screening rather than through visible symptoms, which is why regular testing is important for early intervention. Symptoms related to HPV-associated cancers may take years to appear and vary depending on the area affected.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for anyone who may be at risk of exposure, regardless of travel destination, as the virus is present worldwide. However, it is particularly advised for individuals travelling to countries where access to cervical screening and other healthcare services may be limited or where HPV vaccination is not routinely offered. This includes parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Travellers who are spending extended periods abroad, working in healthcare, or engaging in new relationships during travel may also benefit from protection. While the vaccine is not a mandatory requirement for entry to any country, it forms an important part of preventive healthcare, particularly for those at higher risk of exposure.

The HPV vaccine is considered very safe and is well tolerated by the vast majority of people. Most side effects are mild and temporary, typically including soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Some individuals may experience headaches, tiredness, or a low-grade fever following vaccination. These symptoms generally resolve within a day or two. Fainting can occasionally occur, particularly in younger people, which is why it’s advised to remain seated for a short time after receiving the injection. Serious side effects such as severe allergic reactions are extremely rare. Overall, the benefits of protecting against several types of cancer and genital warts far outweigh the small risk of adverse effects.

Use the map below to identify areas of risk for travel.

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The Malvern Travel Clinic offers a wide range of vaccines and travel vaccinations.

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Competitive Pricing

We offer competitive pricing on our vaccinations to ensure that essential healthcare is both affordable and accessible to everyone.

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