Women may not know how vital it is to protect themselves from the human papillomavirus (HPV) - a condition found in a staggering 99 per cent of cervical cancers. HPV has no symptoms, and most people will be infected with some type of HPV at some time in their life.
Independent chain, Well Pharmacy, which offers the vaccine privately, fears that those who fall outside of official vaccination programmes, such as women and girls aged 25 and above, or international students in the UK, may be leaving themselves open to risk.
HPV is a very common group of viruses that usually don’t cause any problems in most people, But some variations can cause genital warts or heighten the risk of certain conditions, including cervical cancer and some throat, anal and mouth cancers.
Well pharmacist Katie Pickles said: “As HPV often has no symptoms, many people don’t know if they have it, which is why the safest course of action to prevent HPV is to have the vaccination. There is still a level of shame and stigma associated with HPV infections, however, you can get HPV the first time you have sexual contact, and it can remain in the body without symptoms for years.
“Many will be surprised to learn that most unvaccinated people will be infected with a type of HPV at some time in their life. High risk strains of HPV are associated with cervical and other cancers."
She added: "For women, HPV is usually detected during regular smear tests, which is why it is so vital to stay up to date with your cervical screening. Most importantly, if you fall outside of the vaccination programme, it does not mean you can’t protect yourself, even later in life. Here at Well Pharmacy, we can offer advice and support to anyone concerned about HPV – along with providing a private vaccination service.”
The vaccine is administered in two doses, usually around six-months apart. For more information, please visit here
It was previously only available to girls and women under 25, but now it is being offered to school-age boys in some regions.
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