HPV Vaccination (Gardasil 9) Service

The HPV Vaccination (Gardasil 9) Service from Ways Pharmacy is a private, pharmacist-administered immunisation against nine cancer-linked strains of the Human Papillomavirus, available at our Holborn (London) and Beeston (Nottingham) branches for individuals aged 9 to 45.

Key facts

Who the HPV vaccine is for

• Adolescents and adults aged 9 to 45 who did not receive the HPV vaccine through the UK school programme
• Men who have sex with men (MSM), who are not routinely offered HPV vaccination by the NHS until age 45
• People over the upper NHS-eligible age (currently 25) seeking private vaccination
• Individuals exposed to or at increased risk of HPV-related cancers (cervical, anal, penile, oropharyngeal) and genital warts

Not suitable for: people with a confirmed allergy to any Gardasil 9 component; people who are currently pregnant (the vaccine should be deferred until after pregnancy); people who are acutely unwell with a fever on the day of vaccination.

How the service works

1. Select the dose course (1, 2 or 3 doses) and complete payment online.
2. Call your chosen branch to book the first appointment:
   Holborn London: 020 8106 7084
   Beeston Nottingham: 0115 925 5584
3. At the first appointment, our pharmacist will confirm clinical suitability and advise the recommended dose schedule for your age and circumstances.
4. Receive the vaccination on site. Booster doses (where applicable) are scheduled at the same visit.

Frequently asked questions

How many doses of Gardasil 9 do I need?

The number of doses depends on your age at the first injection. People who start the course aged 9 – 14 typically need 2 doses, given at least 6 months apart. People who start aged 15 or older typically need 3 doses, given over 6 months. Your pharmacist will confirm the exact schedule at your first appointment.

Can I have the HPV vaccine if I am already sexually active?

Yes. The HPV vaccine still offers protection against strains you have not yet been exposed to, so it remains beneficial after the start of sexual activity. It is most effective when given before any exposure to HPV.

Is Gardasil 9 the same as the NHS-provided HPV vaccine?

Yes. Gardasil 9 is the same brand used in the current NHS HPV vaccination programme. The difference is access: this is a private, pre-paid service for people outside the standard NHS eligibility (e.g. older than the NHS upper age, or who missed school doses).

What are the common side effects?

The most common side effects are mild and short-lived: soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, headache, mild fever, or tiredness. Serious side effects are rare. You should remain near the pharmacy for 15 minutes after the injection.

Can men get the HPV vaccine here?

Yes. Gardasil 9 is licensed for males as well as females. Men benefit from protection against anal, penile and oropharyngeal cancers, and genital warts caused by HPV.

Is this an NHS service?

No. This is a private vaccination service. Payment is required at the point of booking and is non-refundable once the first dose has been administered.

Safety

• Administered by a GPhC-registered pharmacist in a private consulting room
• Clinical screening on the day to confirm suitability
• 15-minute observation period after injection
• Subject to vaccine availability and eligibility criteria

References

• NHS — HPV vaccine overview
• Gardasil 9 — Patient Information Leaflet (emc)

* Subject to availability. Eligibility criteria and clinical exclusions apply. This is a private service and is not provided by the NHS.