The new HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9®)

Human papilloma virus causes 95% of all cervical cancers, and is a significant risk factor for other more rare forms of cancer such as anal cancer, vaginal and vulval cancer, and throat cancer.

There are over 100 types of HPV but amongst those, there are high risk subtypes that are more likely to cause a problem. The virus is transmitted through oral, vaginal and anal sex. The HPV vaccine protects against the high risk subtypes, and is recommended for teenage girls and boys, but it can be given at any age.

To date there have been 2 vaccines available in the UK:

  • Cervarix® only protects against HPV 16 and 18.
  • Gardasil® protects against HPV 6,11,16, and 18 (including the cause of genital warts).

The new Gardasil 9® vaccine has just been launched and is available through us. It is the preferred option now as it protects against HPV 6,11,16,18,31,33,45,52 and 58.

The vaccine is given as 3 doses over six months and is administered in the upper arm or buttock.

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