HPV is a very common infection which can cause further complications such as cancer, it is recommended to get vaccinated as early as possible
At our London clinic, HPV vaccination is available to adults with no upper age limit, and is provided alongside a consultation with a Consultant Gynaecologist and a smear test with HPV sub-typing — expert support for your cervical health from the very first appointment.
All women.
Human papillomavirus, usually shortened to HPV, is one of the most common viruses in the world. It is passed on through close skin-to-skin contact, most often during sexual activity, and is so common that most people who are sexually active will come into contact with some type of HPV at some point. For most people the immune system clears the infection naturally, often without any symptoms and without them ever knowing they had it.
A small number of infections, however, do not clear. When certain 'high-risk' types of HPV persist, they can slowly cause changes to the cells of the cervix and, over many years, raise the risk of cervical cancer. Cancer Research UK reports that high-risk HPV is linked to almost all cervical cancers, and that two types in particular — HPV 16 and HPV 18 — cause around seven in ten cases.
This is why vaccination has become such an important part of cervical cancer prevention. The vaccine helps your immune system recognise and respond to the high-risk HPV types before you are exposed to them, lowering the chance of the cell changes that can lead to cancer later in life. Evidence suggests it works best when given before contact with the virus, which is why national programmes offer it to young people — though many adults still choose to be vaccinated as part of looking after their long-term health.
HPV is not a single virus but a family of more than a hundred types. Some high-risk types are linked to cervical cancer and, less commonly, to cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis and throat, while other, low-risk types — mainly HPV 6 and 11 — cause most genital warts. The vaccine used in the UK, Gardasil 9, protects against both groups, which is why a single course can offer broad and lasting benefit. Our HPV vaccination is provided as part of our wider gynaecology services, beginning with a consultation with a Consultant Gynaecologist.
A few figures that help explain why HPV vaccination matters. These are general population statistics, not a prediction of any individual's risk.
In the UK, the HPV vaccine is offered free on the NHS to all children aged 12 to 13, because protection is strongest when it is given before any exposure to the virus. Catch-up vaccination is available on the NHS for some young people up until their 25th birthday, after which the free NHS route usually ends.
There is no upper age limit for having the HPV vaccine privately. If you missed the vaccine at school, or were never offered it, you may still choose to be vaccinated as an adult. The benefit is generally greater the earlier it is given, before contact with the common high-risk types, but many adults over 25 can still gain worthwhile protection, as it is unlikely they have already been exposed to every type the vaccine covers. A consultation with a Consultant Gynaecologist is the best way to talk through what vaccination might offer in your particular situation.
Our package is designed for women who would like the reassurance of vaccination alongside a cervical health check. It begins with a consultation and includes a smear test with HPV sub-typing, so any high-risk types already present can be identified at the same time. You can see this and our other packages on our fees page.
This package includes:
Your appointment begins with a private consultation. Your Consultant Gynaecologist will talk through your health history, explain how the vaccine works and answer any questions, so you feel comfortable before anything begins.
A cervical sample is taken and sent for analysis, including HPV sub-typing to identify whether any high-risk types are already present. It is quick, and most women find it only briefly uncomfortable rather than painful.
Your first vaccination is given, usually into the upper arm. It takes only a moment, and you can return to your normal day straight afterwards.
The number of doses you need depends on your age and general health, so your Consultant Gynaecologist will confirm your personal schedule — this may be one, two or three injections. Any further doses are arranged over the following months to complete your course.
You will receive your ultrasound report shortly after your appointment via our secure cloud system. The bloods are processed by our partner laboratory TDL here in London and can take 2-4 days to be processed.
Following the receipt of the results, we will arrange a 10 minute Zoom/Telephone consultation to interpret the results and discuss the following actions.
We are also happy to send the results to your GP and arrange any further referrals as appropriate.
HPV vaccines have a strong safety record. Most people notice nothing more than a little soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given, and some may have a mild headache, a raised temperature or tiredness that settles within a day or two. Serious reactions are very rare, and your clinician will explain how to look after the area afterwards.
It is important to remember that vaccination does not replace cervical screening. The vaccine protects against the HPV types responsible for most — but not all — cervical cancers, so routine screening remains an essential part of staying well. In the UK, the NHS invites women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 for regular cervical screening, and we would always encourage you to keep attending when you are called. Because a smear test with HPV sub-typing is part of your package, your cervical health is reviewed at the same time as your vaccination.
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance specific to your individual circumstances.
If the check-up results in any concerns regarding your health, we will arrange a referral letter explaining our finding and diagnosis to your GP. We are also able to refer you to a Private Hospital or specialist of your choice or recommend a trusted expert from our wide network of colleagues in the field.
The HPV vaccination package at our London clinic is £900. This price covers a consultation with a Consultant Gynaecologist, a full course of three vaccination injections, and a smear test with HPV sub-typing. You will also receive a detailed written report, emailed or posted to you and your doctor. You can book your appointment online whenever it suits you.
This HPV vaccination package is designed for all women. HPV is a very common infection that can lead to further complications, including cancer, so vaccination is recommended as early as possible. Your appointment begins with a consultation with a Consultant Gynaecologist, who will discuss your circumstances with you before the course begins.
The package includes a full course of three HPV vaccination injections. Alongside the injections, you also receive a consultation with a Consultant Gynaecologist and a smear test with HPV sub-typing. A detailed written report is then emailed or posted to both you and your doctor, so your records stay complete.
No referral is needed to book your HPV vaccination with us. You can arrange your appointment directly through our online booking. If your results raise any concerns about your health, we can prepare a referral letter for your GP and, if appropriate, refer you to a private hospital or specialist of your choice from our network of colleagues.
You will receive your report shortly after your appointment through our secure cloud system. The bloods are processed by our partner laboratory, TDL, here in London and can take two to four days. Once your results are ready, we arrange a 10-minute Zoom or telephone consultation to interpret them and discuss any next steps. We are also happy to send the results to your GP.
HPV sub-typing identifies which strain, or type, of the human papillomavirus is present, as some types carry a higher risk than others. It is included alongside your smear test so your Consultant Gynaecologist has a fuller picture of your cervical health. This forms part of our wider gynaecology services, and any findings can be discussed during your results consultation.
It is very unlikely to be too late. There is no upper age limit for having the HPV vaccine privately, even though the free NHS programme usually ends at a person's 25th birthday. The vaccine works best when it is given before contact with the common high-risk types, so the benefit is generally greater the earlier you have it — but many adults can still gain worthwhile protection, as it is unlikely they have already been exposed to every type the vaccine covers. A consultation with a Consultant Gynaecologist is the best way to understand what vaccination might offer you personally.
HPV vaccines have been used around the world for many years and have a strong safety record. The most common side effects are mild and short-lived: soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given, and sometimes a mild headache, a raised temperature, dizziness, feeling sick or tiredness. These usually settle within a day or two, and you can carry on with your normal day afterwards. Serious reactions, such as a severe allergic reaction, are very rare. If any soreness lasts longer than you expect, you are welcome to contact the clinic.
Current evidence suggests that protection from the HPV vaccine is long-lasting. Studies to date have not shown protection wearing off over the years that people have been followed, although research is continuing. Cervical screening remains important alongside vaccination for ongoing reassurance.
Yes. The vaccine protects against the HPV types that cause most — but not all — cervical cancers, so cervical screening is still essential even if you have been vaccinated. We would always encourage you to keep attending screening whenever you are invited.
High-risk HPV causes nearly all cervical cancers and is also linked to some cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis and throat. Separately, low-risk types — mainly HPV 6 and 11 — cause most genital warts. Because Gardasil 9 protects against both high-risk and low-risk types, a full course can help lower the risk of several of these conditions. You can talk this through during your consultation with a Consultant Gynaecologist.
Protect yourself against HPV with a consultation, smear test with HPV sub-typing, and a full course of three vaccination injections.
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The figures and clinical statements on this page are drawn from the sources below. Guidance evolves — always discuss your individual circumstances with a clinician.
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