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Vaccine

Human papillomavirus vaccine

Brand names: Gardasil 9, Cervarix

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is a non-live vaccine used to prevent infection with high-risk HPV types that cause cervical and other anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers, and types causing genital warts.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It contains virus-like particles assembled from HPV capsid (L1) proteins, which stimulate type-specific neutralising antibodies that prevent the targeted HPV types from infecting epithelial cells.

Prescribing in practice

  • It is prophylactic and does not treat existing HPV infection or established disease, so it gives most benefit when given before exposure.
  • It is contraindicated in those with a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose or a vaccine component.
  • Administer intramuscularly per the routine adolescent programme, following the relevant Green Book chapter, the SPC and current prescribing references for schedule.

Monitoring

Routine antibody monitoring is not required; observe after administration for hypersensitivity, and syncope can occur so vaccinees should be seated.

Counselling the patient

  • Vaccination works best when given before any exposure to the virus.
  • Those eligible should still attend cervical screening when invited, as the vaccine does not cover every cancer-causing type.
  • Fainting can happen around vaccination, so sit or lie down as advised.

Evidence & guidelines

HPV vaccination of adolescents, and the move to a reduced-dose schedule, follow recommendations in the UK immunisation guidance (the Green Book).

Reference: UK Green Book; JCVI; Confirm identity and dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC) and NICE. Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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