HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus. Most adults have it at some point in their lives and the infection usually clears without causing any problems. But for some types of HPV, not clearing the virus can lead to cervical cancer. In the UK, 99.7% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV.

The HPV vaccine has been offered to all girls aged 12-13 years old since September 2008, and is available for free for women and girls up to 25 years old. From September 2019, the vaccine has also available to all boys aged 12-13. Since the start of the vaccination programme in the UK, there has been an 86% reduction in HPV infections.

Screening is still recommended for those that have been vaccinated as the vaccine only protects against nine types of HPV (15 types of HPV are associated with cervical cancer), which are known to cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers.

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