The HPV jab for adults who missed it, here in Urmston
If the school vaccine passed you by, you can still protect yourself against the cancers and warts that HPV can cause. We offer Gardasil 9 privately at Davyhulme Pharmacy with no fuss and no judgement.
HPV stands for human papillomavirus, an extremely common group of viruses. Most people will catch some form of it at some point, usually without ever knowing, and in the majority of cases the body clears it on its own. A handful of high-risk types, though, can stick around and over many years lead to cancers of the cervix, as well as some cancers of the head and neck, anus and genitals. Other types cause genital warts.
The vaccine we offer, Gardasil 9, protects against nine HPV types: the ones responsible for the large majority of cervical cancers and the two that cause most genital warts. In the UK it's given routinely to children in Year 8, but plenty of adults missed that opportunity or weren't eligible at the time. If that's you, getting vaccinated as an adult is still a sensible, protective step.
Who might want the HPV vaccine
Adults who missed the HPV jab at school and would like the protection now
People up to and including age 25 who were eligible for the school programme but didn't have it (often available free on the NHS)
Anyone wanting added reassurance before becoming sexually active or starting a new relationship, where vaccination tends to give the most benefit
Why HPV is worth protecting against
Because HPV passes through ordinary skin-to-skin and sexual contact, condoms lower the risk but don't remove it entirely. That's what makes vaccination so worthwhile. Gardasil 9 is most effective when given before any exposure to the virus, which is why the UK offers it to young teenagers. It can still be given to adults, though the benefit is generally greater the earlier you have it.
How many doses you'll need
The number of doses depends on your age and your immune status. Children and younger teenagers now receive a single dose under the UK programme, while adults are typically offered two or three doses spread over a few months. We won't guess. Your pharmacist will check your age and circumstances and confirm exactly how many doses you need and when, so you know the plan before you start.
Free on the NHS, or private with us
If you're 25 or under and missed your school HPV vaccination, you may be able to get it free on the NHS through your GP, so it's always worth asking there first. Some men who have sex with men are also eligible free up to age 45 via specialist sexual health services. For everyone else, including older adults who simply want the protection, we offer Gardasil 9 privately here in Urmston. We'll be upfront about the cost when you call.
A relaxed appointment at your local pharmacy
There's no awkwardness here. HPV is something most of us encounter, and we treat the vaccine like any other, with the same warm, matter-of-fact care our Davyhulme Pharmacy regulars are used to. The injection itself takes moments. We'll talk you through what to expect, give you the jab, and book in any follow-up doses so the whole course is taken care of.
Frequently asked questions
Not at all. The vaccine works best before any exposure to HPV, which is why it's offered to teenagers, but adults can still gain real protection. We'll talk through your situation honestly so you can decide whether it's right for you.
No. HPV affects everyone. The UK now vaccinates both boys and girls at school because the virus is linked to cancers and warts in men too, including head, neck and anal cancers. We're happy to vaccinate adults of any gender.
It depends on your age. Younger people often need just one dose, while adults are usually given two or three over a few months. Your pharmacist will confirm your exact schedule before you begin, so there are no surprises.
Yes, please keep going to your smear tests. The vaccine covers most but not all of the HPV types that can cause cervical cancer, so screening remains an important safety net even after vaccination.
The HPV vaccine has a strong safety record. The most common reactions are a sore arm, redness or swelling where the needle went in, and sometimes a mild headache or feeling tired for a day. These pass quickly on their own.
If you're 25 or under and missed the school jab, you may qualify for it free on the NHS through your GP, so it's worth checking there first. If you're not eligible, we offer it privately and will tell you the cost clearly when you call.
Sources & further reading
This information is grounded in NHS, TravelHealthPro (NaTHNaC) and UKHSA guidance and is for general information only — not a substitute for a personal consultation. Your suitability is assessed by our pharmacist before any vaccination.
Related vaccines
Ask us about the HPV jab in Urmston
Call Davyhulme Pharmacy on 0161 748 3016 to check whether you're eligible on the NHS or to book your private Gardasil 9 course.