What should you know about the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer?

Human papillomavirus can cause changes in cervical cells that may develop into cancer over time. Vaccination trains the immune system to recognise selected HPV types before infection occurs. It does not clear an HPV infection already present, and it does not protect against every cause of cervical cancer.

Cervical screening looks for HPV or cell changes, depending on the screening programme. It is different from vaccination. Bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex, unusual discharge or pelvic pain can have many causes, but persistent or unusual symptoms need assessment even after vaccination.

Ask a qualified clinician or vaccination service whether the vaccine is appropriate for your age, health history and local schedule. Tell them about pregnancy, immune problems, allergies and previous vaccine reactions. The service can explain the recommended dose schedule and what to do if a dose is delayed.

Attend cervical screening when invited. If screening shows an abnormal result, follow-up may include colposcopy or a cone biopsy. If cervical cancer is diagnosed, treatment can include surgery, radiotherapy, brachytherapy or chemotherapy according to the tumour and your circumstances.

Seek urgent medical care for heavy vaginal bleeding, fainting, severe pelvic pain, fever after a procedure, or difficulty breathing or facial swelling after vaccination. Contact a clinician promptly for bleeding between periods or after sex that is new, repeated or unexplained.

Ask which HPV vaccine schedule applies, whether you still need screening, how an abnormal screening result is investigated, and which symptoms should prompt an earlier appointment.