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Beyond Cervical Cancer: Why the HPV Vaccine Matters for Everyone
- Dr Ravi Gowda
- Jan 22
- 7 min read
Many people think the HPV vaccine is only for cervical cancer (cancer of the neck of the womb), but that's not the case. Whilst it's true that the vaccine offers remarkable protection against this disease, it’s not all about just cervical cancer. HPV vaccination protects against cancers affecting the throat, mouth, anus, and genitals in both men and women.
If you're an international student studying in the UK, particularly from countries where HPV vaccination wasn't available during your school years, this article is especially for you. Many students from China and other parts of Asia might not have had the chance to receive this potentially life-saving vaccine. The good news is that it's not too late to protect yourself.
In this article, we'll cover:
What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. If you're sexually active, there's a good chance you'll come into contact with HPV at some point. There are over 100 different types of HPV, with around 40 types that can affect the genital areas, mouth, and throat.
HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. You can contract HPV even without penetrative intercourse. What's especially concerning about HPV is that most people who have it show no symptoms at all, making it easy to unknowingly pass the virus to partners. This is why regular sexual health screening is important alongside vaccination.
The different HPV types are classified into high-risk types (particularly HPV 16 and 18) which cause cancers, and low-risk types (such as HPV 6 and 11) which typically cause genital warts. Most HPV infections clear naturally within one to two years. However, when high-risk types persist, they can cause cellular changes that eventually develop into cancer.
HPV-Related Cancers Beyond the Cervix
Whilst cervical cancer prevention was the initial driver for the development of HPV vaccines, we now know that the virus causes a wide range of diseases affecting everyone regardless of gender.
Head and Neck Cancers
One of the most important findings in recent years is the link between HPV and oropharyngeal cancer, affecting the back of the throat, base of the tongue, and tonsils. In developed countries including the UK and US, HPV now causes between 60% and 70% of all oropharyngeal cancers.
These cancers are becoming increasingly common, particularly among men. The incidence of HPV-positive throat cancer has risen so sharply that it now exceeds cervical cancer rates in some populations. Unlike cervical cancer, there's currently no screening programme for throat cancer, making prevention through vaccination crucial.
Genital Warts and Other Cancers
Low-risk HPV types 6 and 11 cause approximately 90% of genital warts ( fleshy growths around your genitals). Whilst not life-threatening, these growths are extremely common and can be emotionally distressing. Like chlamydia and other STIs (sexually transmitted infections), genital warts can significantly impact quality of life.
HPV also causes approximately 90% of anal cancers, plus significant proportions of penile, vulval, and vaginal cancers…but … HPV vaccination can prevent all of these.
The HPV Vaccines Available Today
The UK now uses Gardasil 9, which is the most comprehensive HPV vaccine available. It protects against nine HPV types: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. This prevents approximately 90% of cervical cancers and similar proportions of other HPV-related cancers.
The vaccine uses virus-like particles that mimic HPV, thereby triggering your immune system to create antibodies. It's important to know that the vaccine doesn't contain any live virus, so it cannot cause HPV infection. When you’re exposed to actual HPV later, your immune system recognises and eliminates it before infection establishes.
Impact of HPV Vaccination
The HPV vaccination programme has been remarkably successful. Research published in The Lancet demonstrated that girls offered HPV vaccination at ages 12-13 experienced an 87% reduction in cervical cancer compared to unvaccinated women.
Population surveillance in England has shown dramatic declines in HPV prevalence.
Among sexually active 16-18 year old females vaccinated at the recommended age, HPV infection of types 16 and 18 dropped from over 15% before the programme to less than 1% in recent years.
Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?
Current UK Vaccination Schedule
The NHS offers a single dose of HPV vaccine to all children in Year 8 (typically ages 12-13). This timing is deliberate as vaccination works best before any HPV exposure.
Catch-up Vaccination
If you missed the school vaccination programme, you can still benefit:
Up to age 25: Immunocompetent individuals aged 14-24 (if you have a healthy immune system) who haven't been vaccinated need just one dose. You can receive a free catch-up vaccination through the NHS by contacting your GP.
Ages 25 to 45: Adults typically need two doses given 6-12 months apart. Whilst not routinely offered on the NHS, you can receive private HPV vaccination. Many will still benefit, particularly if they have limited sexual experience.
Men who have sex with men (MSM): Free vaccination up to the age of 45 is available through sexual health clinics. Those under 25 need one dose; those aged 25-45 need two doses.
Immunocompromised individuals: If you have a weakened immune system you should receive three doses regardless of age.
Remember, even if you've already been sexually active, the vaccine can still protect you. Although it can't eliminate existing infections, it can protect you against strains you haven't encountered yet. We often vaccinate older patients who start new relationships at a later age or for those who’ve had limited sexual activity in the earlier years.
International Students and HPV Vaccination
In my practice, we see lots of international students simply because they've not had the chance to get the HPV vaccine in their own country. Many countries didn't have established programmes when today's university students were in their teens.
The Situation in China
China only approved its first HPV vaccine in 2016, years after programmes began in the UK. HPV vaccination has just become part of China's national immunisation programme in November 2025. Before this, individuals were paying out-of-pocket at costs putting it beyond reach for many families.
Research shows HPV vaccination coverage among Chinese women aged 9-45 is only around 10% for the first dose. Among Chinese university students, vaccination rates are remarkably low.
Benefits of Vaccination While Studying in the UK
Studying in the UK gives you a good opportunity to access Gardasil 9, the most comprehensive HPV vaccine available in the West. University age represents a crucial window when many students are beginning intimate relationships, meaning potentially limited HPV exposure. The vaccine offers maximum benefit if you receive it before or early in sexual life, providing protection lasting at least 10 years and likely longer.
How to Access HPV Vaccination
If you're eligible for NHS vaccination (under 25), contact your GP surgery to arrange catch-up vaccination.
For private vaccination, Health Klinix offers expert HPV vaccination services in Coventry, ideally positioned for students at both Coventry and Warwick universities.
Why Choose Health Klinix?
At Health Klinix, you'll be seen by myself, a consultant in infectious diseases and General Internal Medicine, or by healthcare professionals who are expertly trained by me. Either way, you receive high-quality, safe and trusted specialist medical advice. Our team provides culturally sensitive, judgement-free care.
We offer expert consultation, high-quality vaccines, a convenient Coventry location, a CQC-rated 'Good' facility, and simple booking by contacting us.
What to expect: Your consultation includes a review of your vaccination history, discussion of benefits and questions, and vaccine administration. You'll be observed for 15 minutes afterwards as a routine safety precaution.
The HPV vaccine is one of the biggest breakthroughs in cancer prevention. Far beyond cervical cancer alone, the vaccine protects against diseases affecting both men and women throughout their lives.
If you're an international student or anyone who missed vaccination during adolescence, it's never too late to benefit. The vaccine remains highly effective when given to young adults.
Getting vaccinated is a smart decision for your long-term health. Ready to protect yourself? Contact Health Klinix today and book your HPV vaccination
HPV Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
What age can you get the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine can be given from age 9, though it's routinely offered in the UK at ages 12-13. Catch-up vaccination is available on the NHS up to age 25, and private vaccination is available for adults up to age 45. At Health Klinix, we’ve offered the vaccine to older people starting new relationships.
Can I get the HPV vaccine if I've already been sexually active?
Yes. Whilst the vaccine is most effective before any sexual activity, it protects against HPV types you haven't encountered. Most people are only infected with one or two types, so vaccination provides protection against remaining strains.
What cancers does the HPV vaccine prevent?
The HPV vaccine protects against cervical, vaginal, vulval, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal (throat, mouth, tongue, tonsil) cancers, plus genital warts. Gardasil 9 protects against HPV types responsible for approximately 90% of these cancers.
Does the HPV vaccine protect against genital warts?
Yes. Gardasil 9 protects against HPV types 6 and 11, which cause approximately 90% of genital warts, as well as cancer-causing HPV types.
How many doses of HPV vaccine do I need?
If you're under 25 with a healthy immune system, you typically need just one dose. Those aged 25 or older generally need two doses given 6-12 months apart. People with weakened immune systems require three doses regardless of age.
What are the side effects of the HPV vaccine?
Common side effects are mild: pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, headache, and tiredness. Some people may feel dizzy or faint. Serious side effects are extremely rare. The HPV vaccine has an excellent safety record since 2006.
Can men get the HPV vaccine?
Absolutely, yes. HPV vaccination is recommended for all genders. Men benefit from protection against genital warts, anal cancer, penile cancer, and oropharyngeal cancers. They will also reduce transmission of HPV to their partners following vaccination. Boys have been included in the UK routine vaccination programme since 2019.
Where can I get the HPV vaccine in Coventry?
Health Klinix in Earlsdon, Coventry, offers private HPV vaccination services, conveniently located for students at both Coventry and Warwick universities with easy booking by email or phone.
I'm an international student - can I get the HPV vaccine in the UK?
Yes. International students can access HPV vaccination in the UK. If you're under 25 and registered with a GP, you may be eligible for free NHS catch-up vaccination. Private vaccination is available at Health Klinix and you don’t have to be registered with a GP, nor do you need a referral.
References
Written and Approved by:
Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine
MBBS, MRCP(UK), DTM&H, MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, DFFP
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