How the vaccine is given

Scotland’s Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) immunisation programme begins from 1 September 2008 and runs during the school year.

Your local NHS health board is deciding on the most suitable way to run the programme in your area. They will be in touch to let parents, or carers, and girls know what’s happening. Immunisation sessions will mainly be held in schools. Your local health board is also undertaking the planning involving your local schools.

Contact your local NHS health board for more information about the programme.

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, you will be contacted by your local NHS.

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.