Participating in the programme

Choosing to take part in the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) immunisation programme is an individual decision. To make that choice, girls and their parent, or carer, should be clear about the benefits of the HPV jab and what’s involved.

Having the vaccine is recommended because it helps to protect against cervical cancer for many years.

Hopefully this website will answer any questions you may have. You can also call the free NHS helpline on 0800 22 44 88 (Textphone 18001 22 44 88).

Girls and their parent, or carer, might want to talk through the immunisation programme and raise any concerns in confidence with a nurse at school, or a nurse or GP at their local GP surgery.

Parents, or carers, will receive a leaflet and consent form at the start of the new school year. This should then be signed and returned before the first HPV immunisation session.

Although preferably this decision is made as a family, the law allows a young person under the age of 16 to give consent themselves if a suitably qualified health professional believes they understand what's involved and how accepting or refusing the HPV vaccine might affect their health.

This is explained in the Health Rights Information Scotland's leaflet Consent — your rights (external link) or you can ask a nurse or doctor for more advice.