How the vaccine is given

Scotland’s Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) immunisation programme began on 1 September 2008. The programme runs during the school year.

The HPV vaccine is injected into the upper arm in three separate doses, over a period of six months. You need three doses to get the best protection.

Most girls will get their HPV jabs from a nurse at school over three appointments during term-time. If you’ve already left school but are still eligible for the vaccine, your local NHS will make arrangements for you to have the immunisation.

Missing an appointment doesn’t mean restarting the whole course. Speak to your nurse or doctor for more information.

The Scottish Child Health Surveillance Programme information system, which already records childhood immunisation, will keep track of when a girl has had the HPV vaccine, and make sure her doctor is kept up-to-date too.