HPV Vaccination Human Papillomavirus (HPV) The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects from cancers and genital warts caused by HPV infection. Find out more about the vaccine, and when and where to get it. What is HPV? HPV is a common virus, often with no noticeable symptoms. Most people clear the virus naturally. However, HPV can increase your risk of certain cancers and can be transmitted to others. HPV spreads primarily through intimate sexual contact, including skin-to-skin contact in the genital area. Condoms do not offer complete protection against HPV. HPV-Related Cancers HPV can lead to: Head and neck cancers Cervical cancer Anogenital cancers (e.g., anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar) HPV Vaccine Benefits The HPV vaccine protects against most HPV-related cancers and over 90% of genital wart infections. HPV Vaccination for Adolescents Routine Vaccination: All S1 pupils in Scotland are offered the HPV vaccine as part of the school-based immunisation programme. The vaccine is administered by the NHS Lothian Community Vaccination Team. Your school will inform you about vaccination sessions. Missed Vaccinations If you missed your vaccination at school, opportunities for catch-up vaccinations will be available. You may be offered a rescheduled appointment. For more information, visit the Missed Childhood Immunisations page. Eligibility After Leaving School If you were eligible for the HPV vaccine but didn’t receive it, you may still be able to get it until the age of 25. This applies to: Currently eligible individuals Boys eligible from the 2019/2020 academic year Girls under 25 eligible under previous programmes introduced in 2008 HPV Vaccination Schedule Change From September 2023, the routine HPV vaccination schedule for adolescents in Scotland was reduced to a single dose. Individuals under 25 who started a two- or three-dose schedule before January 2023 are considered fully vaccinated. HPV Vaccination for Men Who Have Sex with Men The HPV vaccine is available in Scotland for men who have sex with men. For further information, please visit the MSM page on Lothian Sexual Health.
