All secondary school aged children in years 8 and above are being offered an important HPV vaccination in school during the first term, as part of the national vaccination programme.
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s school aged immunisation service (SAIS) will be visiting schools from Monday 12 January 2026 until Friday 6 March 2026 to offer young people, who are aged 12 and 13, the immunisation, which helps to protect against a virus that causes some cancers.
About HPV
The human papillomavirus (HPV) increases the risk of developing some cancers in males and females.
Cancers caused by the HPV virus include:
- cervical cancer
- some mouth and throat cancers
- cancers of the anus and genital areas.
HPV infection is common. More than 70% of unvaccinated people will get it. HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact.
There are many different strains of HPV; most of which are harmless, but some can lead to cancer or cause genital warts.
About the HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine is free, safe and effective. Since the vaccine was introduced in 2008, there has been a significant decrease in the number of people getting conditions linked to HPV.
The evidence is clear that the HPV vaccine helps protect both boys and girls from HPV-related cancers.
More than 280 million doses of the HPV vaccine have been given worldwide, including 120 million doses in the US and over 10 million in the UK.
Having the HPV vaccine at this early age, before a young person becomes sexually active, will help the protection to grow with the young person.
Research suggests that over time the HPV vaccine will help save thousands of lives in the UK. The best way to be protected against HPV-related cancers in the future is by having the vaccine.
The vaccination is given quickly into the upper arm. Only one dose is required.
The HPV vaccine does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The HPV vaccine used is Gardasil 9.
Information leaflets and links
- View the national information on the HPV vaccination on the Gov.uk website
- View the HPV Gardasil 9 patient information leaflet (PIL) for a complete list of ingredients
- View the NHS HPV vaccination leaflet for young people
- View the HPV vaccine information on the NHS website
How to give or refuse consent
Parents and carers will be sent a link to fill out an online consent decision form to their phone number or email address.
Please make sure you fill out the form to register your vaccination consent or refusal.
Text messages will be sent from NHS UK and emails will be sent from Vaccinations in Schools. If you do not fill out your form after receiving the first messages, you will also be sent reminders.
If you need to speak to the service, please call them on 0300 300 0007.
Self-consent
If we do not have parental or carer consent on our record, we may ask your child if they want to self-consent.
Self-consent will only be offered to young people aged 13 years and above, who have read the appropriate vaccination information and who are assessed by a health professional as having enough understanding to fully appreciate what’s involved.
If parents or carers have responded and refused consent, we will not offer self-consent or vaccinate your child.
We always encourage young people and their parents and carers to have a conversation about the vaccination on offer, so you can all be aware of each other’s wishes.
Resources for young people
- There is lots more information about the HPV vaccination on the Health for Teens website.
- There is lots of useful information and resources on the HPV inform website
Video explainers
This video explains about the self consent process.
In this video SAIS nurse Gail talks about the HPV vaccination
This video for young people dispels five rumours about the HPV vaccine.
This video from HPV inform answers some of the most common questions young people have about the HPV vaccine
Frequently asked questions
Why is this vaccine being offered to my child right now?
The best time to have the HPV vaccine is before a young person becomes sexually active. This ensures the vaccine will deliver the most effective protection throughout their lives. Even if a young person is sexually active, it is still strongly recommended they have the vaccine.
What are the side effects?
Like all medicines, this vaccine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The side effects of the HPV vaccination are usually quite mild. Young people may develop a slight redness on the injection site and some soreness or swelling on the arm. This usually passes in a couple of days. More serious side effects are extremely rare. For more information, please read the vaccine product leaflets.
My child is really scared of needles. Is there any support available?
Yes. Please let our service know and our team will do their best to support your child. You can also view our needle phobia tips document.
What if my child is absent or unwell on the day the school aged immunisation service visits?
Details of any additional opportunity for a vaccination will be sent via email.
Help and support
If you have any questions, please contact the School Aged Immunisation Service on 0300 3000 007.