HPV or “human paplliomavirus” are a collection of over 100 viruses that cause 1 in 20 cancers worldwide. According to HPV Infection/CDC June 2023, nearly everyone will get HPV at some point in their lifetime. Although most HPV infections can be cleared by the body itself, some HPV infections can develop into cancer or genital warts.

HPV is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex, or through intimate skin-to-skin contact. HPV infection normally clears up by itself within two years but if it doesn’t, it can lead to cancer in both men and women. The HPV virus can cause the following cancers: anus, penis, mouth and throat, vulval and vaginal. It is the leading cause of cervical cancer.

You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has the infection, even if they don’t have any signs or symptoms and even years after having sex with someone who has the infection. HPV that persists can cause health problems such as genital warts and cancer.

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The HPV vaccine protects against the HPV virus. If you are sexually active you can get HPV. Therefore, HPV immunisation is the most effective before a person becomes sexually active.

The vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause 9 out of 10 cervical cancers and other HPV-related cancers and diseases including anal cancer and vaginal cancer. Even if you have already had an HPV infection you can still receive HPV vaccination as it could still protect you against other types of HPV infections.

There is no HPV screening available for males so the HPV vaccine is the best way to protect yourself against genital warts and HPV-related cancers.

In 2019 the Gardasil 9 was introduced into the national vaccination schedule for boys and girls in first year of secondary school. The vaccine is also offered to men and women infected with HIV up to and including 26 years of age and for men who have sex with men up to including 45 years of age.

The cost is€195.

If you have private health insurance, it may partly cover the HPV vaccination but it is best to check with your insurance company directly.

This service is available in select McCabes Pharmacy stores. Please contact your local pharmacy for more information.