Cervical Cancer Vaccine FAQs

The name of the vaccine we currently offer is Gardasil. It is made by Sanofi Pasteur and is licensed for use in the UK.

Q: Who can have it?

A: The license has been granted for its use in women age 9 to 26 and boys aged 9 to 16. However it is suitable for sexually active women of any age and we are willing to discuss this with all women who request it.

Q: Why is it given?

A: This vaccine creates immunity to 75% of all cases of cervical cancer which are caused by the HPV ( human papilloma virus) and immunity to 90% of all genital wart infections, which can lead on to cervical cancer.

Q: What if I have already had warts or a smear showing HPV?

A: Even in these circumstances the vaccine will be useful because it protects you against a number of strains of these viruses. Clearly the vaccine will not "cure" you of a virus to which you have already been exposed but it is unlikely you will have been exposed to every virus type in the vaccine

Q: Is there more than one vaccine of this type?

A: There are two vaccines available, from Sanofi Pasteur and GSK

Q: How many times do I need to be Vaccinated?

A: This is a course of 3 vaccines given initially, then after 2 and 6 months. Boosters will be needed every 10 years.

Q: Are there side Effects?

A: It is NOT a live vaccine so the side effects are similar to all inactivated vaccines ie 10% of people vaccinated may have some redness and tenderness at the injection site, and less than 10% a slight fever for 1-2 days afterwards. Very rare hypersensitivity reactions have been reported ( less than 1 per 100 000 vaccines given) and this could be dealt with at our clinics were it to occur. The vaccine cannot, in any way, cause cervical cancer.

Q: Smear Tests: can I stop these?

A: Smear tests should be continued as before. The vaccine does not cover every possible cause of cervical cancer , although 75% coverage is good it is not perfect. Smear tests remain a very important screening test for detecting early changes of cervical cancer At Private GP Services our thin prep smear service will provide you with a result within one week

Q: What is the Cost?

A: The cost of the course of 3 vaccines including a 15 minute inital consultation and 2 further short appointments to give the 2nd and 3rds doses, is £400. If you prefer to pay each time you attend the we change £135 per vaccine.

Q: What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

A: The vaccine can be used safely in women who are breast feeding . We would generally not advise vaccination in pregnancy.