Immunisations
Immunisatoins are very important and can help to protect you from becoming seriously ill. This is why it is recommended you have your vaccinations.
If you have missed any of your vaccinations you can speak to a member of the Starting Well Immunisation Team who will arrange an appointment for you, or you can discuss this at your high school drop-in.
You can email the team at cwp.
Read more about the vaccinations we offer you on this page.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced that from 1st September 2023 the HPV vaccine programme will change from a two dose to a one dose vaccine schedule for eligible adolescents.
It follows advice from the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) that one dose of HPV vaccine is just as effective as two doses at providing protection from HPV infection.
Over 280 million people worldwide have received the HPV vaccine, including over 10 million in the UK. Studies have shown the HPV vaccine to be very effective at preventing HPV infections and it is expected that the vaccine will save hundreds of lives every year in the UK. A recent Scottish study found an 89% reduction in pre-cancerous cervical disease in young women since the HPV programme was introduced in 2008.
Routine HPV Programme
- In the academic year 23/24 young people aged 12-13 in year 8 will receive one dose only.
- Those in school year 9 and above and have already received one HPV vaccination will be considered fully vaccinated. They will not require a second dose.
- Those in school year 9 and above who have not yet received any HPV vaccinations will be eligible to receive one dose of the HPV vaccine
All immunisations are given by a healthcare professional who is experienced in giving immunisations. The immunisation will be in your upper arm.
You will receive a letter explaining your vaccination and a consent form about 2 weeks beforehand. Your parents or carers need to sign and send the consent form back to school.
If you want to discuss having the vaccine you can speak to your school's Link Nurse in your monthly school drop-in or chat to a nurse via Starting Well Online Chat.
What is HPV?
HPV is the name of a very common group of viruses. They do not cause any problems in most people, but some types can cause genital warts or cancer. HPV affects the skin. There are more than 100 different types.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women under the age of 35. In the UK, around 3000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed every year and about 900 women die from it, almost all in older women who were unable to benefit from the vaccination programme. Cervical cancer develops in the cervix (the entrance to the womb – see diagram below).
About the Vaccine
The HPV vaccine protects against the two types that cause most cases (over 70%) of cervical cancer. Having the HPV vaccine now will help protect you from getting cervical cancer when you are an adult. Since September 2019 boys have been offered the HPV vaccine as well as girls.
The vaccine has passed the strict safety standards for use in the United Kingdom and has been shown to be a very safe vaccine.
I missed my vaccination, can I still have it?
Yes. If you missed either of your vaccinations contact the team using the details above.
Having the vaccination
The nurse will give you the vaccination in your upper arm. You will be offered your HPV Vaccination in year 8.
Side Effects
As with all vaccines, any reports of side effects are closely monitored and reviewed. See NHS - HPV vaccination overview or see the patient information leaflet (PIL) if you’d like more information on side effects.
Useful Links:
HPV Vaccination - (pdf)
NHS - A guide to immunisation for young people - (pdf)
High School Drop-in Sessions
In year 9 girls and boys will be offered a 3 in 1 teenage booster which protects against tetanus, diphtheria and polio.
All immunisations are given by a healthcare professional who is experienced in giving immunisations. The immunisation will be in your upper arm.
You will receive a letter explaining your vaccination and a consent form about 2 weeks beforehand. Your parents or carers need to sign and send the consent form back to school.
If you want to discuss having the vaccine you can speak to your school's Link Nurse in your monthly school drop-in or chat to a nurse via Starting Well Online Chat.
What is tetanus?
Tetanus is a painful disease affecting the nervous system which can lead to muscle spasms. It is caused when germs found in the soil and manure get into the body through open cuts or burns. Tetanus cannot be passed from person to person.
What is diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a serious disease that usually begins with a sore throat and can quickly cause breathing problems.
What is polio?
Polio is a virus that attacks the nervous system which can cause permanent paralysis of muscles.
Having the vaccination
You will be offered this vaccination on the same day as the MenACWY vaccine. They will both be given in your upper arm at the same time to minimise any discomfort.
Side Effects
As with all vaccines, any reports of side effects are closely monitored and reviewed. See www.nhs.uk or see the patient information leaflet (PIL) if you’d like more information on side effects.
