>> Scroll down for HPV consent forms for your borough <<
What is HPV?
HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus, a group of over 100 related viruses. It’s extremely common, with around 7 in 10 people getting infected at some stage in their lives. Because HPV has no symptoms, it can spread easily without being noticed. In most cases, the infection clears on its own, but if it persists, it can lead to certain types of cancer.
When will my child be offered the vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is offered at school to all children aged 11 to 13 and is highly effective in lowering the chances of contracting HPV. Since its introduction, there has been a significant decrease in conditions associated with HPV, including some cancers. If your child misses their vaccination, they can still catch-up by contacting their school nurse or GP practice. The vaccine is available to anyone under the age of 25.
Why is the vaccine so important?
By getting vaccinated, you lower the risk of developing cancers linked to HPV, including:
- up to 90% of cervical cancers
- certain mouth and throat cancers
- some anal and genital cancers
Additionally, the vaccine guards against the two HPV types responsible for most genital warts.
Vaccination UK – HPV vaccination provider
Vaccination UK are the provider of the HPV vaccine in schools across the five North Central London boroughs.
Interested in learning more about the Year 8 HPV vaccine? Join Vaccination UK on 24, 25, and 26 March for informative webinars tailored for parents, school staff, and pupils. Click the button below to find out more.
Can I take my child to the GP for their vaccination?
Generally, all school aged vaccinations are provided by the school immunisation team. The GPs can vaccinate in certain circumstances, but usually only if the child has missed their vaccinations after the school year it was due.
Occasionally, the team may request that vaccinations are given by the GP if it is thought to be more suitable.
What happens if I have missed the 'consent cut-off date' but still want my child to be vaccinated?
Whenever possible the team will provide a second vaccination opportunity, either in school or a community clinic. Please contact the team directly for further information.
What if I change my mind about my child having their vaccination after I have submitted consent?
It is important that you contact the Immunisation Team immediately and speak to a member of staff. We also advise that you contact the school if the vaccination session is planned within the next 72 hours.
What if my child does not attend school?
The team will be happy to see your child in one of our community clinics. Please contact the team to discuss your requirements.
What if my child has a medical condition?
There are very few children that cannot receive their vaccinations.
However, if your child has a medical condition, it is possible that we will ask you or your child’s GP or consultant for further information to ensure it is safe for them to receive the vaccination at the current time.
What if my child is unwell following their vaccination?
If your child does experience side effects, these are generally mild and may consist of the following: pain, swelling or redness at the injection site, headache, nausea, fatigue and mild fever.
If you are worried about your child you can telephone 111 for non-urgent medical advice or contact your GP practice. In an emergency, please telephone 999. Further advice can be found at: www.nhs.uk.
Vaccination UK reports any post-vaccination side effects that we are aware of, so please contact them if you feel that they need to report any reactions experienced by your child.
What if my child is unwell on the day of the vaccination?
The vaccination can be safely given as long as the child does not have a high fever on the day.
If your child is not well enough to attend school, then our team will make arrangements to see them the next time we visit. Generally, if they are well enough to be in school, they are usually well enough to be vaccinated.
However, if your child is recovering from a chronic illness or recent infection, the nurse may decide to defer the vaccination until they are fully recovered. This is to ensure that any subsequent changes in their health are not wrongly attributed to the vaccination.
Where can I find out more information about vaccinations?
You can find further information on the NHS choices website. Alternatively, you can speak to your GP, practice nurse or a member of the immunisation team.
Why do you need previous vaccination dates?
We only ask for this information if it is needed to ensure the correct intervals between vaccinations.
Please note that we do not have access to your child’s GP records, so we may not be aware of their previous vaccination date unless you advise us.
Why are you asking if my child has had two doses of MMR?
Measles is again on the rise across the UK. Vaccination UK is commissioned to offer and provide the MMR vaccine to all children who have not received two doses of this already. Therefore, if your child has not had a dose at around 1 year of age and then again at pre-school age, they may not be fully protected. If you are not sure if they have had both doses, please write NO to this answer and our team will be in touch to discuss this and offer your child the vaccine during our visit.
Who else can get the vaccine?
Men aged 45 and under who have sex with men are at higher risk from HPV and are eligible to get the vaccine.