Vaccinations are important for keeping people healthy and preventing diseases in our community. They need to be given on time for the best protection.
If you or someone you care for have missed a vaccination, contact your general practice surgery to catch up.
HPV vaccine
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a very common group of viruses. They do not cause any problems in most people, but some types can cause genital warts or cancer.
HPV infection is common—more than 70% of unvaccinated people will get it. It spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, and while condoms and dental dams help reduce the risk, they don’t provide full protection. HPV can be carried by anyone, regardless of gender or sex.
All about HPV – EDUCATE
Getting the HPV vaccine
The vaccine is given as an injection in the arm. The number of doses needed depends on the person’s age, and if they have certain health conditions. Most people under 25 only need one dose. When filling out your child’s consent form you can advise if they have any extra requirements, for example if they need to lie down to have the vaccine.
If you or your child are worried about having the vaccine, are nervous of needles, or want more information, the Dorset School Age Immunisation Service can provide additional support to help your child feel as comfortable as possible.
HPV vaccine myth-busting with pupils from Beauchamp College
Your child and the HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine is offered to children aged 12-13 (school year 8) by the Dorset School Age Immunisation Service . It’s recommended that all children, regardless of sex or gender, get the HPV vaccine to protect them against cancers caused by the HPV virus. Parents/carers will be contacted by their child’s school with the details of the HPV school sessions, further information and a consent form.
If your child is home-schooled, misses their HPV vaccine in year 8, or cannot access the vaccine through school, the Dorset School Age Immunisation Team holds school and community catch-up clinics across Dorset. All children can attend these clinics until the end of year 11.
If you didn’t get the vaccine in school, you can still get it for free until you are 25.
HPV vaccine
Protecting my teenager – COMMUNICATE
The HPV vaccine and my teenager – COMMUNICATE
Cervical screening and HPV
You’ll be tested for HPV as part of your cervical screening appointment. Even if you’ve had your HPV vaccine, you should still attend cervical screening when invited.
Penny’s story – COMMUNICATE
Vaccines during pregnancy
Having the recommended vaccinations during pregnancy, and after your baby is born, is one of the most effective things that you can do to reduce the risk of vaccine preventable infections for you and your baby.
Vaccines for older people
As you get older, it’s recommended you get certain vaccines to reduce the risk of ill health. These include:
Vaccines for students
If you’re starting college or university, you should make sure you’ve already had:
MenACWY vaccine – This protects against serious infections like meningitis. You can still ask your doctor for this vaccine until your 25th birthday.
Two doses of the MMR vaccine – There are often outbreaks of mumps and measles at universities. If you have not previously had two doses of MMR, you can still ask your doctor for the vaccine.
HPV vaccine – this helps protect against genital warts and cancers caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), such as cervical cancer.
Vaccines for at-risk people
Some vaccines are only available on the NHS for groups of people who need extra protection.
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for people who are at high risk of contracting hepatitis B or who have been exposed to hepatitis B. Most people who need the hepatitis B vaccine can have it, including if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Additional vaccines are recommended for some people living with an underlying health condition.
