HPV Vaccination

The Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is very common. There are over 100 types of HPV but only 13 of them are known to cause cancer. The HPV vaccine is having a major impact on HPV infections in the UK and will save lives every year.

HPV vaccine for adolescents aged 12 to 13 years old.

The vaccine protects against nine types of HPV, including types 16 and 18, which cause most cases of cervical cancer. It is hoped that the vaccine will prevent up to 90 per cent of cervical cancer cases.

The vaccination programme is a school based programme. All boys and girls in Year 9 are offered the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. A school health team from the Trust will give the vaccinations.

The vaccine helps protect against cancers caused by HPV, including:

• Cervical cancer
• Some mouth and throat (head and neck) cancers
• Some cancers of the anal and genital areas

It also helps protect against genital warts.

Cervical cancer screening

All women between the ages of 25 to 64 are offered cervical cancer screening.

Women in this age group will be sent an invitation letter from their GP practice asking them to make an appointment for a smear test. They will receive their first invitation prior to their 25th birthday and every three years thereafter until they are aged 49. Women between the ages of 50 and 64 will be invited once every five years.

In order to be invited, women must ensure their GP has their correct name and current address on their computer system.

Read more about the Northern Ireland Cervical Screening Programme.