Licensed from age 9 with no upper age limit. Free on the NHS at 12 to 13 and until your 25th birthday if you missed it; adults pay privately.
Last reviewed 12 September 2026UK Green Book ch. 18aNon-live vaccine
Who can have it
Eligibility by age, on the NHS and privately
The HPV vaccine protects against the human papillomavirus strains that cause most cervical, anal, throat and some other cancers, as well as genital warts. It works best before first exposure to the virus, but adults can still benefit, which is why it is licensed with no upper age limit.
Check what applies to you
Pick your age range and gender to see only the criteria for your group. Nothing you select is saved or sent anywhere.
Age
Privately (pharmacy or clinic)
On the NHS
Under 2 years
Privately✕Not given
Not licensed for this age group.
On the NHSNot offered
Not offered.
2 to 17 years
PrivatelyRestrictions apply
From age 9; two doses (6 to 12 months apart) if the course starts before 15
On the NHSFree for some
Free: one dose offered to all children in school Year 8 (age 12 to 13), with catch-up through the school programme or GP.
18 to 49 years
Privately✓Available
One to three doses depending on age and immune status
On the NHSFree for some
Free until your 25th birthday if you missed it at school (girls of any age; boys born after 1 September 2006). Free up to age 45 for men who have sex with men, and for some trans people and sex workers, through sexual health clinics. Otherwise pay privately.
50 to 64 years
PrivatelyRestrictions apply
No upper age limit on the licence, but benefit is smaller after long exposure to HPV; discuss with a clinician
On the NHSNot offered
Not offered on the NHS.
65 and over
PrivatelyRestrictions apply
Can be given privately; benefit is limited at this age
On the NHSNot offered
Not offered on the NHS.
Recommended for
All children aged 12 to 13 (routine NHS schedule)
Anyone under 25 who missed the school dose
Men who have sex with men up to age 45
Adults who were never vaccinated and want to reduce their risk of HPV-related cancers (privately)
Who should not have it
A previous serious allergic reaction to the HPV vaccine or one of its ingredients, including yeast
Pregnancy (doses are postponed until after the birth)
If you have a fever, the vaccine is usually postponed
Always tell the clinician about allergies, medicines, health conditions and recent vaccines. They will confirm the vaccine is right for you before giving it.
About the vaccine
What it protects against, how long it lasts and side effects
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Protects against
Human papillomavirus (HPV) — strains linked to cervical, throat, anal, penile, and vulval cancers, as well as genital warts.
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When to have it
Course of 2–3 doses over 6 months; best effect before first sexual activity
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How long it lasts
Long-term — evidence suggests protection lasts at least 10–15 years; likely lifelong
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Doses
2 doses — at least 2 months apart
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Side effects
Sore arm, redness, swelling at injection site, mild fever, or dizziness shortly after injection. Serious reactions are rare.
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Good to know
The Gardasil 9 vaccine protects against 9 HPV strains. From September 2023, the NHS adolescent programme moved to a single dose; the 2–3 dose schedule applies to older patients and those with a weakened immune system.
Common questions
HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9): your questions answered
Is the HPV vaccine suitable for adults over 25?
Yes. Gardasil 9 is licensed from age 9 with no upper age limit. The NHS stops offering it free at 25 (45 for some groups), but adults can have it privately. The benefit is greatest for those with fewer previous partners, but a clinician can talk through whether it is worthwhile for you.
Can men have the HPV vaccine?
Yes. Boys have been included in the NHS school programme since 2019, and men who have sex with men are eligible free up to 45. Any man can have it privately.
How many doses of HPV vaccine do I need?
On the NHS: one dose if you are under 25, two doses (6 months to 2 years apart) if you are 25 to 45, and three doses over 12 months if you have a weakened immune system. Private clinics usually follow the same age-based schedule, or the licence (two doses if you start before 15, otherwise three).
Does the HPV vaccine still help if I have already been sexually active?
It can. Few people have been exposed to all nine strains covered by the vaccine, so it can still protect against the ones you have not met. It does not treat an existing infection.
How long does the HPV vaccine last?
Studies show strong protection for at least 10 to 15 years with no sign of waning, so it is expected to be long-lasting and no booster is currently recommended.
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GPhC-registered pharmacies and travel clinics. The clinician confirms suitability at your appointment.
General information only. This page sets out the published UK eligibility criteria so you can see which apply to you. It is not medical advice and VaxiGo does not assess your suitability for any vaccine. The clinician at your appointment makes that decision with you.