Human papilloma virus (HPV)

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a family of very common viruses. Most people will get a HPV infection in their lifetime.

Most cervical cancers and anal cancers are caused by the HPV virus. HPV has also been strongly linked to a number of other cancers including cancers of the mouth, throat, vulva, vagina and penis.

There are over 100 types of HPV and most do not cause any problems. Certain types are considered high risk and increase the risk of cancer. For example, types 16 and 18 can cause cervical cancer and type 16 is common with anal cancer.

HPV types 6 and 11 can cause genital warts. 

Usually the body’s immune system finds the HPV virus and resolves 9 out of 10 infections within 2 years. If you smoke or your immune system is compromised, for example if you have HIV, it can prevent the infection from clearing up. 

If a high-risk HPV infection doesn’t clear up it can damage the DNA in our cells. This can cause cells to divide and grow out of control which can lead to cancer. 

However, it’s important to remember that HPV does not always cause cancer. Most people have had it without even knowing they had it. 

The HPV vaccine works like many other vaccines. The body reacts to the vaccine by making special proteins, called antibodies, which help the immune system fight and clear the HPV infection so it can’t cause cancer.

The HPV vaccine currently used in Ireland is called Gardasil 9, which protects against 9 out of 10 cervical cancers.  This is the vaccine used in the school vaccination programme.

Vaccinating boys and girls against certain types of HPV at the recommended age helps protect them from infection before they are likely to come into contact with HPV.

The vaccine is given as an injection into the upper arm in one dose as part of the school vaccination programme. In some cases the vaccine may be given at special HSE clinics.

In Ireland, the HPV vaccine is offered free of charge every year to all students in their 1st year of secondary school.

Between January and August 2026, the HPV vaccine will also be offered free of charge to all students in 5th and 6th year of secondary school.

In the 2026/2027 academic year, the HPV vaccine will also be available to students in 2nd to 5th year.

The HPV vaccine is safe. 

The Gardasil 9 vaccine is the one used in the national HPV vaccination programme in schools. 

HPV vaccines are licensed by the Health Products Regulatory Authority and the European Medicines Agency, and are regularly reviewed by the World Health Organisation. These agencies have strict procedures to make sure all vaccines are safe and effective.

Over 200 million doses of Gardasil have been distributed worldwide, either as part of national immunisation programmes or by private doctors. Gardasil is safely used in over 25 European countries, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Does the HPV vaccine have side-effects? 

Like all vaccines, you could have some side-effects after your injection. These can include pain from the needle, some redness, swelling or itchiness on the arm where the injection is given. Very occasionally, you could get a mild headache, or feel a bit tired or sick. If these side-effects do happen, they pass quite quickly.