The HPV vaccine reduces your chances of getting human papillomavirus (HPV). This is a common virus that spreads through skin-to-skin contact, usually when having sex.
Most types of HPV are harmless. But some types are linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including:
- cervical cancer
- mouth and throat (oropharynx) cancer
- anal cancer
- penile cancer
- vulval cancer
- vaginal cancer
HPV can also cause genital warts.
Who should get the HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls in their first year of secondary school. It is free through our School Vaccination Programme.
It may also be recommended for someone with a weak immune system.
Who should not get the HPV vaccine
There are very few people who should not get the HPV vaccine.
The HPV vaccine is not recommended if you are pregnant.
People should not get the vaccine if they had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to:
- a previous dose of HPV vaccine
- any of the ingredients of the HPV vaccine
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
HPV vaccine ingredients
The HPV vaccine used in Ireland is called Gardasil 9.
Check the patient information leaflet for details about the vaccine, including ingredients and side effects.
Non-urgent advice: Find your patient information leaflet
Your patient information leaflet is the leaflet that comes with your medicine. You can find a digital version of the leaflet online.
HPV vaccine side effects
Like all medicines, the HPV vaccine can cause side effects. The most common side effects are mild and do not last long.
They can include:
- redness, swelling or pain where the injection was given - this usually passes after 1 to 2 days
- a headache
- a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher
- dizziness
- feeling sick (nausea)
- tiredness
Fainting can happen, but this is not common.
If you feel uncomfortable, you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen. Follow the instructions on the box or leaflet.
Severe allergic reaction
Severe allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare. Vaccinators are trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.
Urgent advice: If you are worried about your child after their vaccination, contact:
- the school vaccination team at your local immunisation office
- your GP
- a GP out-of-hours service
- your local emergency department (ED)
How we know the HPV vaccine is safe
The HPV vaccine has a strong safety record. It is used in national immunisation programmes in many countries.
Vaccine safety is monitored in Ireland by the:
- Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA)
- European Medicines Agency (EMA)
HPV vaccine and cervical screening
Having the HPV vaccine protects you against 9 types of HPV. This includes the types that are most likely to cause cancer.
The HPV vaccine does not protect you from all types of HPV. Continue to go to your cervical screening (previously known as a smear test) appointments. Screening might show you have HPV infection even if you have been vaccinated.