HPV Vaccine Overview
Human papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV, is the name given to a large group of viruses. HPV is very common and is usually spread through close skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity.
Most HPV infections clear naturally without causing any lasting problems. Some higher-risk types can remain in the body and may contribute to the development of certain cancers over time.
What Does the Vaccine Protect Against?
The HPV vaccine helps protect against several important types of HPV. In the UK, the vaccine currently used is Gardasil 9, which protects against HPV types associated with many HPV-related cancers and most genital warts.
Conditions Linked to HPV
Different types of HPV can affect different parts of the body. Some types cause no symptoms, while others may cause genital warts or abnormal cell changes.
- Cervical cancer
- Anal cancer
- Penile cancer
- Vulval cancer
- Vaginal cancer
- Some mouth and throat cancers
- Genital warts
- Abnormal cervical cell changes
Who May Consider Private HPV Vaccination?
Private HPV vaccination may be suitable for people who did not receive the vaccine through the NHS programme, missed previous doses or wish to discuss vaccination later in life.
Vaccination can still be considered after someone has become sexually active. However, it usually provides the greatest benefit when given before exposure to HPV.
- Young adults who missed vaccination at school
- Adults considering catch-up HPV vaccination
- People who started but did not complete a course
- Those not eligible for NHS vaccination
- People at increased risk of HPV exposure
How Is the HPV Vaccine Given?
The HPV vaccine is administered as an injection into the upper arm. The number of doses required depends on age, immune system health, previous vaccination and individual clinical circumstances.
- People under 25 usually require one dose
- People aged 25 to 45 usually require two doses
- People with a weakened immune system usually require three doses
The pharmacist will confirm the appropriate course and spacing between doses during your appointment.
HPV Vaccination for Teenagers and Adults in North West London
Hampstead Travel Clinic provides private HPV vaccination for suitable teenagers and adults. Our experienced pharmacy team will review your age, medical history, immune system health and previous HPV vaccination records before recommending the appropriate dose schedule.
Who May Benefit From HPV Vaccination?
HPV vaccination can benefit both women and men. Private vaccination may be considered when NHS vaccination is unavailable, a previous course was missed or an individual would like to discuss catch-up protection.
- Teenagers who missed school vaccination
- Young adults needing catch-up vaccination
- Adults aged 25 to 45
- Men and women seeking private protection
- People who did not finish an earlier course
- People at increased risk of HPV exposure
- Those advised to consider vaccination by a clinician
- Patients unsure of their previous vaccine history
Your HPV Vaccination Appointment
Our pharmacist will assess your eligibility and explain the most appropriate vaccination schedule before proceeding.
Review Your History
We check your age, medical history and previous HPV vaccinations.
Clinical Assessment
We review medicines, allergies and any immune system conditions.
Receive Your Vaccine
When suitable, the HPV vaccine is administered into the upper arm.
Plan Further Doses
Where required, we explain when the remaining doses should be given.
HPV Vaccination and Ongoing Health Checks
Vaccination is an important form of protection, but it does not replace routine screening, sexual health checks or medical advice when symptoms or concerns arise.
- Attend cervical screening when invited
- Seek advice about unusual lumps, growths or persistent symptoms
- Use condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections
- Attend sexual health screening when appropriate
- Complete all recommended HPV vaccine doses
- Keep a record of vaccine names and administration dates
HPV Vaccination in Hampstead, North West London
Hampstead Travel Clinic is located inside Allchin Pharmacy at 28 Englands Lane, London, NW3 4UE. We provide private HPV vaccination consultations for suitable teenagers and adults from Hampstead and surrounding North West London areas. Same-day or short-notice appointments may be available, subject to pharmacist availability, clinical suitability and vaccine stock.
- Hampstead
- Belsize Park
- Swiss Cottage
- Finchley Road
- St John’s Wood
- Primrose Hill
- West Hampstead
- Camden
- Kentish Town
- Gospel Oak
- Chalk Farm
- Golders Green
- Kilburn
- Highgate
HPV Vaccination FAQs
Helpful answers for patients considering private HPV vaccination in Hampstead.
What is HPV?
HPV is a very common group of viruses spread mainly through close skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Most people are exposed to HPV at some stage in their lives.
Most infections clear naturally, but some higher-risk types may persist and contribute to abnormal cell changes or certain cancers.
Can both men and women have the HPV vaccine?
Yes. HPV can affect people of all sexes, and the vaccine can be suitable for both men and women.
It helps protect against HPV types associated with several cancers and genital warts.
Am I too old to have the HPV vaccine?
Adults who missed vaccination earlier may still wish to consider private HPV vaccination. The potential benefit depends on age, previous vaccination and likely previous exposure to HPV.
Our pharmacist can discuss suitability and the appropriate course during a private consultation.
How many doses of HPV vaccine do I need?
Under current NHS guidance, people under 25 usually require one dose. People aged 25 to 45 usually require two doses, while people with weakened immune systems normally require three doses.
The final schedule will be confirmed following an individual clinical assessment.
Can I have the vaccine if I am already sexually active?
Yes. Being sexually active does not automatically prevent you from receiving the HPV vaccine.
You may already have been exposed to one or more types of HPV, but vaccination may still protect against other vaccine-covered types.
Does the HPV vaccine treat an existing infection?
No. The HPV vaccine is preventative and does not remove or treat an HPV infection that is already present.
It may still offer protection against other HPV types included in the vaccine.
Does the vaccine protect against cervical cancer?
The HPV vaccine helps protect against HPV types responsible for most cervical cancers. It substantially reduces risk but cannot prevent every case.
Anyone eligible for cervical screening should continue attending appointments even after completing HPV vaccination.
Does the HPV vaccine protect against genital warts?
Gardasil 9 protects against HPV types responsible for most cases of genital warts, as well as several higher-risk HPV types associated with cancer.
Can I have HPV vaccination during pregnancy?
HPV vaccination is usually postponed until after pregnancy. However, NHS guidance states there is no evidence that the vaccine is harmful if it is given before someone realises they are pregnant.
Tell the pharmacist if you are pregnant, may be pregnant or are planning a pregnancy.
Can I have the HPV vaccine while breastfeeding?
Yes. Current NHS guidance states that the HPV vaccine can be given while breastfeeding, subject to the usual clinical suitability assessment.
What are the common HPV vaccine side effects?
Common temporary effects include pain or swelling around the injection site, headache, tiredness, dizziness, feeling sick or a mild temperature.
Serious allergic reactions are very rare. The pharmacist will explain expected reactions before vaccination.
Can I continue a course started somewhere else?
It may be possible to continue an incomplete HPV vaccination course. Bring records showing the vaccine name and the dates of previous doses.
Our pharmacist will review the information and advise whether another dose is required.
Do you offer same-day HPV vaccination?
Same-day or short-notice appointments may sometimes be available, subject to pharmacist availability, clinical suitability and vaccine stock.
Contact Hampstead Travel Clinic before attending so our team can confirm current availability.
Where is Hampstead Travel Clinic located?
Hampstead Travel Clinic is based inside Allchin Pharmacy at 28 Englands Lane, London, NW3 4UE.
Our clinic is convenient for patients from Hampstead, Belsize Park, Swiss Cottage, Finchley Road, St John’s Wood, West Hampstead, Camden and surrounding North West London areas.
Book Your Private HPV Vaccination
Arrange a confidential consultation with our experienced pharmacy team in Hampstead. We will review your previous vaccination history and recommend the most appropriate HPV vaccine schedule for you.
What Our Clients Say
“Nice staff particularly regular pharmacist. Gave me my flu jab painlessly”
“Directed here by my niece. Wonderful! Friendly staff in a cozy pharmacy packed with everything you could need. ”
“I have been going here for over a decade. The Chief pharmacist always goes out his way to assist me, the rest are also always friendly, polite and helpful.”
“Best local travel clinic. Really friendly and helpful staff. Very quick service.”
