HPV Vaccine

What is HPV?

HPV is a group of more than 100 related viruses that primarily affect the skin. While many people may never experience symptoms, certain types of HPV can cause genital warts or, more seriously, lead to cancer. Unfortunately, most people with HPV do not show any visible symptoms, making it easy for the virus to spread unnoticed. Some types of HPV are considered “high-risk” because they can lead to cancers such as cervical, anal, and head and neck cancers.

How is HPV Spread?

HPV is highly contagious, and most people will acquire some form of the virus at some point in their lives. It’s important to note that HPV can spread even without penetrative sex. It can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, any skin-to-skin contact in the genital area, or by sharing sex toys.

Even if you have not been sexually active or have been in a long-term relationship, you can still be at risk for HPV. This makes the HPV vaccine an important tool for everyone.

Why Should You Get the HPV Vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is designed to protect against the four most common and high-risk strains of HPV: 6, 11, 16, and 18. Strains 16 and 18 are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancers in the UK, while strains 6 and 11 cause approximately 90% of genital warts cases. By getting vaccinated, you significantly reduce your chances of developing HPV-related cancers and conditions.

Certain types of HPV are linked to the development of several cancers, including:

• Cervical cancer
• Anal cancer
• Penile cancer
• Vulval cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Head and neck cancers

How Does Our HPV Vaccine Service Work?

At Kamsons Pharmacy, we offer the HPV vaccine for £170 per dose. The number of doses required depends on your age and your immune system’s health:

• Under 25 years old: 1 dose
• Ages 25 to 45: 2 doses, spaced 6 months to 2 years apart
• Weakened immune system: 3 doses, administered over a 12-month period

Once you complete the online consultation form, our prescriber will review your responses and, if appropriate, issue a prescription to your chosen Kamsons Pharmacy branch. We recommend contacting the pharmacy two days after submitting the form to arrange your vaccination appointment.

For those interested in additional vaccinations, we also offer services for chickenpox and shingles.

FAQs

What are the side effects of the HPV vaccine?

As with any vaccine or medication, the HPV vaccine can cause side effects. Common side effects include pain at the injection site, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and fever. These symptoms are generally mild and temporary. If you have any concerns, feel free to speak with one of our pharmacists at Kamsons.

How effective is the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is highly effective in reducing the risk of contracting HPV and developing related cancers or conditions. Since the vaccine was introduced, there has been a significant reduction in cases of cervical cancer and genital warts, particularly among young people. Long-term research suggests that the vaccine will continue to save thousands of lives in the UK.

How do I make an appointment?

Once you’ve completed the online consultation form contact your chosen branch to book your vaccination.

Do I need to bring anything to my appointment?

Please bring some ID with you.

Where is the HPV vaccine available?

This vaccine is available at selected Kamsons Pharmacy branches.

Kamsons Pharmacy is owned by Waremoss ltd, Westminster House, Bolton Close, Uckfield, TN22 1PH. Our Pharmacies are registered with the GPhC. Pharmacist, prescriber and pharmacy premises’ current registration details can be seen on https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/. Superintendent pharmacist – Timothy Golding 2027075. Prescriptions for our prescribing service are issued by one of our independent pharmacist prescribers: for full list click here. The full address and contact details of our pharmacies can be found under the branches section of our website, further information about the service can be obtained by emailing webadmin@kamsons365.co.uk. If you are unhappy with the service or would like to provide us with your feedback you can write to us at the address above or email webadmin@kamsons365.co.uk. We are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council of 25 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5LQ.