How effective is HPV vaccination for HPV infection?

The vaccine trains the immune system to recognise selected HPV types before exposure. Protection is strongest when vaccination happens before exposure, although some people may still benefit later. The vaccine does not treat genital warts, an existing HPV infection or established cervical cell changes.

Vaccination lowers risk from the types it covers, while other HPV types can still cause infection. It also does not remove the need for cervical screening, because screening checks for cell changes that vaccination cannot be assumed to prevent in every situation.

Ask a clinician whether vaccination is appropriate for your age, previous doses, immune health and likelihood of prior exposure. Complete the schedule advised for you and keep a record of each dose. Continue cervical screening at the interval recommended locally, even if you have received all planned doses.

If you already have HPV, vaccination may still protect against covered types you have not encountered, but it will not make the current infection disappear. Discuss contraception, pregnancy and allergy history before vaccination.

Seek medical advice for unusual genital growths, persistent sores, bleeding after sex, unusual discharge or pelvic pain. These concerns need examination and are not answered by vaccination status alone. Seek urgent help for signs of a severe allergic reaction after a dose, such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing.

Ask which HPV types the vaccine covers, how many doses you need, whether a previous infection changes the benefit, and when screening remains due. Tell the clinician about a serious reaction to a prior dose, pregnancy or immune-suppressing treatment.